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.
“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.
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 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.
“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, Arsenal manager on the Premier League title race