Arteta Shares Derby Insight And Squad Update Ahead Of Big Week
Sports Updated: 21 November 2025 18:05 EAT
Arsenal gaffer Mikel Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed anticipation ahead of Sunday’s derby fixture, describing the occasion as “beautiful” especially at home, while urging emotional discipline from his players. “It’s just beautiful especially when we play at home. We know what the team will bring in every single action,” he said, adding that the matchup “required something else, emotionally,” cautioning that players “cannot be too hyped.”
Arteta emphasised that the magnitude of the duel demands increased intensity and concentration. “The game demands that in every ball and every action, it needs that little bit more than any other game. On Sunday we need a really good performance,” he affirmed during his pre-match briefing.
Addressing the situation with Manchester City chasing closely in the table, Arteta maintained the club’s focused approach. “No everybody is going to try and win every game, we just have to go game by game. For Sunday we have a beautiful game for everybody,” he said.
Speaking on praise from Wayne Rooney regarding striker Viktor Gyokeres, Arteta welcomed the analysis. “I am really glad this is coming from someone like Wayne. It's not just related to the goals he hasn't scored, but the work he brings to the team, the way he opens the spaces for the other people.”
Looking ahead to a demanding run of fixtures, Arteta confirmed the squad is prepared. “We've done the preparation and we know it is coming. We are ready for that and have everybody healthy, or most of them healthy. Start to generate momentum,” he noted.
The manager also reflected on how Martin Ødegaard’s recent absence affected Arsenal tactically. “Yeah we have new players and new players create new connections. Create new ways of attacking, especially, and we have to let that flourish. We are learning a lot from them and when [Ødegaard] is back in the team, we'll be able to do that as well.”
On injuries and fixture congestion, Arteta acknowledged the ongoing challenge. “Injuries are part of football, the demands of the squad the way the schedule is that is probably going to bring more injuries. We're going to have to live with that.” He also shared a positive update on Gabriel Jesus. “Very good and he's done everything with the team for the last two weeks. We're going to give him some exposure internally as well.”
Arteta revealed brief insight into past interest from Tottenham in Eberechi Eze. “Well I don't know at the end there are three different parties, my feeling when I spoke to him was that he wanted to join. It worked in a great way and I am very happy with what he is doing,” he commented.
Finally, on Bukayo Saka’s contract situation, the Arsenal boss appeared relaxed. “Well I am very aware that he wants to continue with us, he is in the place that he wants to be. When that happens, when it happens, I leave that to Andrea Berta and others to figure out.”
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FELIX MAKONA
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