ENGLISH TO THE CORE
Arteta lifted by young guns
MIKEL ARTETA says the English spine is part of the modern mix that has lifted Arsenal into surprise Champions League contention.
Emile Smith Rowe and Aaron Ramsdale this week followed Bukayo Saka and Ben White in making their full England debuts.
The Three Lions return to club duty at Anfield today aiming to extend Arsenal’s unbeaten run to
11 games – and lift them above Liverpool into fourth place.
Great Arsenal teams of the past had a strong core of home players, with Arsene Wenger’s French revolution adding top foreign stars.
Arteta has slowly replaced the old guard with a new generation that blends the best of British – Kieran Tierney has been another vital signing – into a “multi-cultural team”.
“We have a lot of academy, homegrown and English players,” said the Gunners manager.
“You have to respect that core, those values and that history as well. But that mixture, that multi-cultural team we have is very beneficial and necessary as well in modern football.”
Arteta said the performances of his Three Lions – notably scorer Smith Rowe – were a further vindication of Arsenal’s quiet progress.
“I saw him yesterday and he was delighted to score for his country,” said Arteta.
“It is always special and he made us proud. Not only him but Bukayo and Aaron starting for the national team, it is a great sign for the club.”
Anfield will be a very different challenge to the 10-0 stroll in San
Marino where Smith Rowe netted on Monday night. The last time Arsenal won at Liverpool was in September 2012 when Arteta was in the midfield.
“It’s been a while so it’s time to do it again,” he said with a smile.
In a league table since Boxing Day the Gunners would be fourth, and after their worst start since 1954-55 the Champions League rather than avoiding relegation has become the aim for Arsenal fans.
“This is positive,” said Arteta. “It means there is excitement and they want to push us.
“This club is about being the best, not about being fourth. That mentality and drive is because of our history.”
Arteta insisted his squad are in a better position to challenge after going eight domestic games without a win at the same stage last season.
And he also welcomed the return of crowds to energise his young side.
He said: “I see a big change and the impact that has on the team and the
You have to respect the club’s history and values
performances of the players is huge. That increases the level of our team.
“You have to be at your best and raise the level to your maximum standards, emotionally, physically, tactically, because if you don’t you will be exposed. “Going to Anfield is always a test but if you are able to do that, there are not many grounds as good as there to feel that you are a proper footballer.”