Be tough on Toney says Mik
MIKEL ARTETA has warned his Arsenal stars they will need to be ready for a battle with England new boy Ivan Toney today.
The Brentford striker’s physicality played a big part in his side’s shock victory over the Gunners at the start of last season.
Bees boss Thomas Frank knew that if his men could get at Arsenal they would beat them – and after that 2-0 home win Toney put out a tweet which read, ‘Nice kickabout with the boys’, mocking the ease with which they’d won what was their first Premier League game.
Arteta (above) has addressed his side’s lack of physicality since then in the transfer market. Asked if his team was better equipped now to cope with a more physical challenge from opponents, the Gunners boss said: “I will tell you after the game.
“I have seen a lot of their games, Toney stretches out his arms against any defender and he can hold the ball and make you feel like it’s a physical challenge.
“I will prepare my players and they have to be ready for the battles, they have to win the duels.
“Physically powerful are the right words for a lot of the signings we have made. You have to be equipped physically in this league.
“That does not mean only the physical contact. You have to be equipped in your head as well, because if you don’t read the situation you are always late. It is a balance.”
One of the big boys Arteta has brought in is goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who has again been called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
And while Southgate has made it clear in recent months that Jordan Pickford remains his No.1, with the Everton star out through injury there is a chance for Ramsdale to stake his claim.
Arteta added: “I hope he is the England No.1, it will be great for us and great for Aaron. He has shown in the last year or so what he is capable of doing. We will be watching and waiting for that decision.”
Asked how it would boost Ramsdale’s confidence, Arteta laughed and said: “Aaron is pretty confident. It would be a good reward for him.”
With the release of former Arsenal vicechairman David Dein’s new book, former Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been back in the news and so, too, has his 2018 exit.
The Frenchman, in charge for 22 years, still hasn’t been back, and Arteta, who played under him, wishes he had.
Arteta said: “I would have loved to have had him closer to have the opportunity to open up and in certain periods just listen and learn from him.
“But he did it to be sure whoever came after him had the respect and space he believed was important. He honoured that.”