Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has declared that his side will continue to push relentlessly until they lift the Premier League trophy, after finishing runners-up for three consecutive seasons.
Speaking ahead of the Gunners’ opening fixture away to Manchester United, the Spaniard expressed confidence in his squad’s new additions, Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, both of whom he confirmed are ready for Sunday’s clash at Old Trafford.
“I can only speak about how happy we are to have Viktor Gyokeres. He’s going to have a huge impact on the team and his adaptation has been really, really good, and we are happy to have him,” Arteta said.
“Viktor is getting better every single day. Let’s see what he brings us on Sunday. Martin Zubimendi is integrating really well into the team and we’re really pleased with him. He’ll be ready for Sunday.”
Arteta, using a metaphor of perseverance, stressed Arsenal’s determination to finally turn consistency into silverware:
“If you keep digging, digging, and digging, one day you will find gold. Over the past three seasons, we have accumulated more points than anyone else in the league, and that speaks volumes about our consistency.
“Now we just need to do it within one season. I’m really excited and can’t wait for the new campaign. We’ve had a really productive preseason. The team has evolved significantly, and we’re ready.”
The Arsenal boss also confirmed that Martin Ødegaard will continue as club captain following a unanimous vote by the players and coaching staff.
“My view is clear, and it’s the same as the entire coaching staff and the players’. Yesterday, I asked them to vote for a captain, and it was unanimous – Martin Odegaard,” he revealed.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s encounter, Arteta praised Manchester United’s preparations and warned his team to expect a stronger opponent than last season.
“Manchester United will be a really different team this season. The manager will have had more time with them, they’ve had a preseason, they’ve made some really good signings, as have all the other teams.
I think they will be better than last year, but the same goes for the other teams, too,” he added.
