ARTETA URGES TEAM EFFORT TO CONTAIN CHELSEA ATTACK
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stressed that his side must defend collectively to neutralise Chelsea’s attacking threat when the two London rivals meet at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Arteta dismissed the idea that Arsenal’s defenders alone would be responsible for stopping Chelsea’s forwards, insisting that the entire team must contribute defensively.
“Banking will be the responsibility, obviously a team responsibility, more than a defensive one,” Arteta said.
The Spaniard also provided updates on several players ahead of the Premier League encounter, with Bruno still under assessment after suffering a knock in Arsenal’s previous match against Aston Villa.
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Arteta said he hoped the player would be fit to resume training on Saturday.
Cristhian Mosquera, who was substituted as a precaution against Villa, was also being monitored, although Arteta indicated that the defender’s withdrawal was not considered serious.
Ezri Konsa is available for selection, while Jurrien Timber could also feature after making encouraging progress in training.
Arteta said a final decision on Timber’s involvement would be made after Saturday’s training session.
There remains greater uncertainty surrounding William Saliba, who continues to recover from injury. Arteta declined to provide a specific timeframe for the French defender’s return, saying his rehabilitation would depend on how he responds to increased workload.
Despite his injury, Saliba has been included in Arsenal’s Champions League squad.
With the summer transfer window now closed, Arteta said his focus had shifted entirely to the players currently available rather than the deals the club failed to complete, including the signing of another winger.
He maintained that Arsenal had achieved what they set out to do during the transfer window, although he acknowledged that the final outcome of transfer plans can sometimes differ from expectations.
Arteta also defended Arsenal’s attacking options, saying the club has enough quality within its squad despite concerns over the number of forwards available.
He specifically praised Bukayo Saka, describing the England winger as a reliable performer during the opening weeks of the campaign.
Looking ahead to Chelsea, Arteta said the visitors could approach the derby in different ways, depending on the circumstances of the match.
Chelsea are managed by former Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, a former colleague of Arteta’s. The Arsenal boss said he was pleased to see Alonso take charge of one of England’s top clubs.
Arteta also backed Chelsea’s decision to sign goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, whom he previously worked with at Arsenal, saying the Argentine would bring significant quality to the team.
Meanwhile, Arteta paid tribute to Gabriel Martinelli following the Brazilian winger’s departure from Arsenal, praising his development and contribution to the club during their time together.
He also discussed Ethan Nwaneri’s move to Borussia Dortmund, saying the teenager’s immediate priority should be to establish himself at the German club before any decision is made about his future.
Nwaneri could potentially face Arsenal in the Champions League, with Arteta confirming that UEFA rules allow such a meeting.
The Arsenal manager further highlighted the versatility of his midfield options, pointing to the team’s recent victory over Aston Villa as evidence of the depth and different qualities available to him.
As Arsenal prepare for Sunday’s derby, Arteta made clear that the club’s expectations remain straightforward, insisting that every player must be fully committed to the team’s objectives.
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