WELL CORE BLIMEY GUV’NOR
Arteta’s English spine is a Gunners tradition
by NEIL MCLEMAN
MIKEL ARTETA says the English spine to his Arsenal team is part of the modern mix which has lifted them into surprise Champions League contention.
Emile Smith Rowe and Aaron Ramsdale last week followed Bukayo Saka and Ben White (inset) in making their full England debuts. And they return to club duty seeking a win at Anfield today to extend Arsenal’s unbeaten run to 11 games – and lift them above Liverpool into fourth place.
Previous great Arsenal teams had a strong core of home players with Arsene Wenger adding top foreign stars.
Arteta has slowly replaced the old guard with a new generation which blends the best of British – Kieran Tierney has been another vital signing – into a “multicultural team” with players from the academy and around the world.
“We’re an English club and we now have a lot of academy, home grown and English players,” said Arteta.
“I think you have to respect that core, those values and that history as well. But that mixture, that multicultural team we have is very, very beneficial and very necessary as well in modern football.”
Arteta said the performances of his Three Lions – and notably goalscorer Smith Rowe – was a further vindication of Arsenal’s quiet progress.
“I saw him yesterday and he was delighted to score a goal for his country” said the Gunners manager. “It is always special and BETTER DAYS: Smith Rowe (left) and Saka celebrate a goal with Alexandre Lacazette he made us proud. Not only him, but Bukayo and Aaron starting for the national team, it is a great sign for the club.” Liverpool this evening promises a very different challenge from the stroll in San Marino where Smith Rowe scored on Monday night.
The last time Arsenal won at Anfield was in September 2012 when Arteta was still in the midfield. “It’s been a while so it’s time to do it again,” he smiled.
But after their worst start since 195455, the Champions League rather than avoiding relegation has become the aim for Arsenal fans.
“For me this is positive,” said Arteta. “It means there is excitement and they want to push us.
“This club is about being the best, not even about being fourth. So that mentality and drive is because of our history.
“Whether we can achieve it or not, we will see what we can do but the level of expectation has to always be the highest.”
Arteta welcomed the return of crowds to energise his young side.
He said: “I really see a big change and the impact that has on the team and the performances of the players is huge. That increases the level of our team.”
The 10-match unbeaten run started after a 5-0 mauling at Manchester City and Jurgen Klopp’s side will give a real test of Arsenal’s ambitions this season.
“You have to be at your best and raise the level to your maximum standards, emotionally, physically, tactically. If you don’t, you will be exposed,” said Arteta.