GUNNERS ARMED
HOPKINSON
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 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 the 2-0 home victory Toney tweeted, “Nice kick about with the boys”, mocking the ease with which they’d won what was their first Premier League game.
Arteta was already well aware his team didn’t have the muscle to compete with some of the stronger sides and it’s something he has addressed in the transfer market over the past 12 months.
Asked if they were better equipped now to cope with a more physical challenge, the Gunners boss said: “I’ll 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 is the right word 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 you need.”
Among the new battlers at The Emirates are ex-manchester City pair Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Another is goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who has again been called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Nations League fixtures against Italy on Friday and Germany a week tomorrow.while Southgate has made it clear Jordan Pickford remains his No.1 in recent months, with the Everton star missing this international get-together through injury, there is a chance for Ramsdale to stake his claim.
The Spaniard added: “I hope he is the No.1, it will be great for us and it will be great for Aaron. He has shown in the last year or so what he’s capable of doing.”
Asked how it would boost Ramsdale’s confidence,arteta said: “Aaron is pretty confident. It would be a good reward for what he has done.”
With the release of former Arsenal vicechairman David Dein’s new book, Arsene Wenger has been back in the news.
The Frenchman hasn’t been back to the club despite being in charge for 22 years and Arteta wishes that wasn’t the case.
He said: “I would have loved to have had him closer to have the opportunity to listen and learn from him.”