Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his pleasure with his team’s jam-packed schedule ahead of Sunday’s North London derby against Tottenham. Despite a demanding week that included four matches and a disappointing Champions League exit, Arteta believes the rhythm will benefit his team going into the highly anticipated clash.
“I love the fact that we played four games,” Arteta stated. “We had some great experiences, and it’s been a really demanding week. We had some great results in the last two, which has boosted the confidence of everybody. We’re in a good place.”
Arteta is confident his players will be fully prepared to face a formidable opponent in Tottenham. “The boys are going to be fully ready on Sunday to go and play against a great opponent that is going to make things very difficult for us,” he said. “We are going to have to be very good to beat them.”
Arsenal heads to Tottenham sitting atop the Premier League standings, one point clear of Manchester City, although Pep Guardiola’s side has a game in hand. Arteta anticipates a challenging atmosphere and wants his players to embrace the occasion.
“We have to put the rivalry aside and we have to live the game with passion and the intensity that it demands,” he said. “They (Tottenham) have been very, very consistent, and I think that’s probably the biggest strength in what they’ve done.”
While acknowledging the historical significance of the fixture, Arteta emphasized the importance of creating their own legacy. “Well, I understand that, but that’s not going to happen mathematically, even if we do win it,” he said. “But there are moments, obviously, that are very important in our history, and I am sure that a lot of players know about it.”
“Certainly the staff and the ones that have been here long enough know about it. It’s about making our own history now.”
As Arsenal looks to secure a crucial victory at Tottenham, Arteta’s comments suggest that his team is ready to rise to the challenge and write their own chapter in the storied rivalry between the two North London clubs.
