Mikel Arteta said this week’s 7-1 thrashing of PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League had given Arsenal a huge lift but urged caution ahead of Sunday’s trip to face misfiring Manchester United.
Second-placed Arsenal, 13 points behind leaders Liverpool, are realistically out of the Premier League title race after recent stumbles.
However, they travel to Old Trafford seeking their fifth consecutive league win over their old rivals in Arteta’s 200th Premier League game in charge.
Arsenal, struggling with injuries in attack and goalless in their past two league matches, found their form in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie on Tuesday.
“It was a great night for us in an important competition that we have high hopes for,” the Gunners boss said on Friday.
“The manner in which we did it obviously lifted everybody. But that’s in the past, unfortunately, so it’s about what we do today, our preparation for tomorrow, and trying to replicate a great performance on Sunday.”
United are a lowly 14th in the Premier League, 21 points behind Arsenal, but Arteta said they should not be underestimated.
The Spaniard was asked what he expected from Ruben Amorim’s team, who have produced some surprising results this season, including a win against Manchester City, a draw against Liverpool, and an FA Cup victory against Arsenal on penalties.
“That’s the history of that football club,” he said. “The players they have and the coach they have.
“Watching their game last night against Real Sociedad (a 1-1 draw in the Europa League), it was clear that they are very capable of putting in a strong performance and beating you on the day. So we know that we know the difficulty of the match, and that’s how we have prepared.”
Arteta, who became Arsenal manager in December 2019, was asked at his pre-match press conference to name his top moments as Gunners boss as he marks 200 league games in charge.
“Probably the number one moment was the day I sat here for the first time, fulfilling my dream of becoming the manager of this incredible football club,” he said.
“And then there are many others, but the other night was up there with one of the best because of the way we did it.”
He added: “I still have a lot of energy, and I’m very driven to achieve more success.”
AFP
