Arteta ‘amazed’ Arsenal leads ‘magnificent’ rivals
LONDON — Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said a thrilling contest between Liverpool and Manchester City lends even more credit to the fact his side sits top of the Premier League with 10 games to go.
The Gunners, who are aiming to win a first league title in 20 years, lead Liverpool on goal difference with third-placed City just one point behind in a thrilling title race.
Arsenal was the big winner of last weekend as it struck late to beat Brentford 2-1 for an eighth consecutive league win, while Liverpool and City drew 1-1 at Anfield.
“It’s great to be top, that’s for sure — it was an amazing game of football with two magnificent teams, with so many alternatives,” Arteta said at his prematch news conference ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Porto.
“I think it’s an amazing situation that we are even involved, looking at the level that those two teams have and we are still there and we’re still at the top.
Atletico Madrid hosts last season’s Champions League runner-up Inter Milan on Wednesday boosted by key player Antoine Griezmann’s likely return from injury.
Diego Simeone’s side stumbled 1-0 in Milan in February in the last-16 firstleg clash, with Griezmann spraining his ankle at the San Siro.
The French forward missed four games since, of which Atletico has won only once, but has returned to training and Spanish media say he is set to feature in the second leg.
Struggling Atletico faces an uphill climb against the runaway Serie A
Arsenal manager on the Premier League title race
“So, the ambition raises, we want to continue to be there, and we have to go game-by-game.”
Ederson out
City goalkeeper Ederson is set to miss a crucial clash against Arsenal in the Premier League title race due to a thigh injury as he faces up to a month out. leader after Marko Arnautovic netted the only goal on Simeone’s return to Italy to face one of his former teams from his playing days.
The Rojiblancos also have Spanish champion Barcelona’s visit on the horizon on Sunday in La Liga, where Athletic Bilbao is battling to overtake them in fourth place.
Atletico was ousted from the Copa del Rey by Athletic and despite a strong start to the season, is 14 points behind bitter rival and current league leader Real Madrid.
Perhaps with one eye — or even two — on the Champions League, Atletico
The Brazilian hurt himself when conceding a penalty during City’s 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Sunday.
Ederson stayed on the field for the resulting spot-kick, which Alexis Mac Allister scored to cancel out John Stones’ opener, but soon after needed to be substituted for Stefan Ortega.
The Gunners travel to the Etihad fell to a dismal 2-0 defeat at lowly Cadiz on Saturday.
It was the Andalusian side’s first victory in 17 matches and first in La Liga since September.
Despite the woeful performance Simeone backed his men ahead of the Inter clash.
“I feel that the team is giving everything and it’s me that is not finding the right way,” said the coach.
“I’ll go to the death with the players because I know what they can give, I know they can do big things, and I will keep working with them.”
Simeone’s last chance of silverware
Stadium on March 31.
Ederson is also set to miss Saturday’s FA Cup quarterfinal at home to Newcastle and Brazil’s upcoming international friendlies against England and Spain.
“(It) was my time with Eddie’s injury. I was ready like always,” said Ortega.
“It was a special moment to come on in this big game and the whole world watching. It was a nice feeling.
“I enjoyed every second. It’s nothing new what came — I was ready and prepared.”
Long drought
Arsenal is also looking to end a long drought in Europe by reaching the Champions League quarterfinals for the first time since 2010.
However, the Gunners need to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit at the Emirates on Tuesday to reach the last eight.
“That’s the opportunity that we have tomorrow, in front of our people and in our stadium,” added Arteta. this season lies in Europe and the coach will be grateful for Griezmann’s potential return.
The 32-year-old forward has 18 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions this season.
Atletico is also boosted by its strong home record. At the Metropolitano Stadium it has won 18 of 20 matches this season across all competitions, tumbling just once — against Athletic in the cup.
Atletico fans usually create a raucous atmosphere on big nights and the game is tipped to set a new record attendance at the 70,000-seat stadium.
“For 96 minutes bring your energy, bring your noise and let’s do it together.”
The stunning form of Arteta’s men domestically contrasts sharply to their display in Portugal three weeks ago.
Arsenal failed to even manage a shot on target before going down to Galeno’s 93rd-minute winner.
But Arteta remained confident his side can turn things around in London.
“Every opponent has their strengths and weaknesses and the way that they approach the game and now we know them a bit better,” said Arteta.
“We’ll just focus on being ourselves and do more of the things that we can control better than we did a few weeks ago.”
Gabriel Martinelli missed the win over Brentford with a cut foot and was not expected to recover in time to face Porto.
I think it’s an amazing situation that we are even involved, looking at the level that those two teams have and we are still there and we’re still at the top.”
Mikel Arteta,
Simeone has doubts in defense as none of his regulars are in good form with the exception of Axel Witsel.
New arrival Gabriel Paulista made errors against Cadiz, while Reinildo Mandava has not been at his best after a long injury layoff.
“We have to reset and prepare well for the game against Inter on Wednesday,” said Witsel after the humbling by the Yellow Submarine.
“There is no time for words, we have to focus on our work and play well against Inter.”