In Round 3 of the Premier League, Liverpool will host Arsenal at home. Ahead of the match, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta attended a press conference and answered questions from the media. Below is the second half of the conference.
There’s been talk linking you with Piero Hincapié again before the transfer window closes. The Bayer Leverkusen player—his versatility fits the type you like, right?
You know the answer. I can’t talk about players who aren’t in our squad.
Alright, then let me ask one last question about the “supercomputer”.
Go ahead.
The supercomputer tells me this is the first time in eight years that last season’s top two have met this early in the season. Do you think it’s too soon?
That’s the fixture list we’ve got, and we have to face it. They’re the champions, and they deserve that title. They were the most consistent team last season and always found a way to win. This season, we want to beat them—we need to go to Anfield with that spirit and belief.
Everyone knows Eberechi Eze’s ability. From what you’ve seen this week, what will he bring to the team?
First, energy. You feel comfortable around him—he’s always smiling. He grasps the key points and asks the right questions. Then, he’s so smooth on the ball: he can play good passes, beat defenses easily, and control the tempo. It’s really impressive.
Does tomorrow’s game feel like a season-defining battle?
It’s very important. We want to keep our current momentum, and going away to face an opponent like this is the kind of test we want. Winning a tough game like this, and doing it convincingly—that’s the goal.
Last season, you drew with Liverpool both home and away. The last time Arsenal won at Anfield was in 2012, when you were a player. What needs to change this time?
We need to be better than we were in those previous games, more clinical. Just like we’ve done with many long-standing poor head-to-head records, we’re going to Anfield believing we can win.
Do you have that confidence?
Yes.
Mikel, Arne Slot mentioned that your team’s style has changed—for example, having a proper No. 9 striker. They’ve also made signings this summer; have you noticed any changes in Liverpool?
Yes, different individual qualities of players change how a team performs. They’ve signed a lot of good players and kept their squad stable. We’ve done the same. So this will be a heavyweight match.
You compared the game against Manchester United to a basketball match. At Anfield, there might also be a situation where both sides have chances and frequent counterattacks. You’ve signed Dominik Szoboszlai and Eberechi Eze—they’re suited to these transition moments. Was that a deliberate consideration?
Yes, we need players who can decide games. Both of them have the ability to put the ball in the net when it matters most—that’s what we’re aiming for in our attack. They bring individual quality, that moment of magic in key situations, which is essential to winning games.
Last season, there were 27 injuries; this season, seven players are already sidelined. Has this made you reflect on whether there’s room for improvement internally?
Of course, we have to analyze what we’re doing. Last season, we had the best injury record in the Premier League, but then it became the worst—especially with long-term injuries to Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Jesus, and multiple hamstring issues. We’re constantly monitoring the players’ needs and the fixture list, but unfortunately, we’ve had various injuries again, some of which are hard to predict.
Does the depth of your squad make you worry about players being unhappy?
Worry? No. I’m more concerned with making sure every player is as happy as possible. What matters is that they can reach their potential and do what they love most—play football. Right now, with 5-7 injured players, we don’t have major issues with team selection, but things will be different when everyone is fit. But that’s competition, and it will raise everyone’s level.
Will Gabriel Martinelli leave before Monday?
No. He’s an extremely important player for us and will continue to play an extremely important role. We have different types of options to deal with the needs of different opponents. This kind of competition is necessary, especially in the attacking areas—whether it’s for starting spots or coming off the bench. So I’m very satisfied with our current squad.
Is Liverpool the title favorite this season?
I think the defending champion is always the favorite. Other teams need to challenge them and take that crown away. We’re going to try to do that. We’ve had a great start to the league—two games in, it couldn’t be better.
Bukayo Saka has now had hamstring injuries in both legs—does that worry you?
Yes, it’s a big concern. Especially for a pacey player like him, who often needs to sprint, accelerate, and change rhythm in games. But we’ll learn from this and make him stronger. Injuries are part of a player’s career. Considering the number of games he’s played at his age, he hasn’t been injured that often. But this is something we have to solve.
After Jorginho left, who is now part of the team’s leadership group?
That will be announced soon. Several players are involved. I’m satisfied with the outcome, and the whole process reflects the team well.
Do you think Eberechi Eze is similar to Santi Cazorla or Tomas Rosicky?
Yes, they all have that special feel when they touch the ball—everything is smooth and natural. Watching them dribble, take a touch, or turn is a pleasure. Eze definitely has that quality.
