Arteta Warns Arsenal Must Work as a Team to Contain Chelsea
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says containing Chelsea’s attacking threat in Sunday’s London derby will require a collective defensive effort.
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has warned that his side must defend collectively to contain Chelsea’s attacking threat in Sunday’s Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta, speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, said dealing with Chelsea’s forwards would not be the responsibility of the defenders alone.
He said the entire Arsenal team would need to contribute defensively against a Chelsea side that has scored early in both of its opening league matches.
“Banking will be the responsibility, obviously a team responsibility, more than a defensive one,” Arteta said.
The Arsenal manager also provided updates on several players ahead of the London derby.
Bruno is being assessed after sustaining a knock in the previous match against Aston Villa, while Cristhian Mosquera was withdrawn from that game as a precaution.
Ezri Konsa is available for selection, while Jurrien Timber could return after making progress in training.
Arteta said Timber was in good condition but that a final decision on his availability would be made after Saturday’s training session.
There is less certainty over William Saliba, with the defender continuing his recovery from injury. Arteta said the club did not yet know how long he would remain sidelined but described his recent progress as positive.
Saliba has, however, been included in Arsenal’s Champions League squad.
With the summer transfer window now closed, Arteta said his focus was on the players available to him rather than Arsenal’s failure to sign another winger.
“I prefer to look at all the incredible things that we have in this squad and not to spend any more time on the things that are not part of us right now,” he said.
The Spaniard also backed Arsenal’s attacking options, saying the club’s assessment of players’ minutes and injuries last season presented a different picture from concerns over a lack of depth.
Arteta expressed confidence in Bukayo Saka, describing the winger as “very reliable” during the opening weeks of the campaign.
He expects Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso to have different tactical approaches available to him, particularly because Chelsea have scored early in their first two matches.
Arteta also praised Alonso, with whom he previously worked, saying he was happy to see his former colleague managing one of the country’s top clubs.
The two sides have both won their opening two Premier League matches and will meet at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in a clash between two unbeaten teams.
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