Arteta reveals ‘love’ for £16m signing
Mikel Arteta has revealed his adoration for defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, who bagged the Gunners’ fifth goal in their rout of Sheffield United.
He said: “I love him. Everybody loves him. “He’s one of the most popular in the dressing room.
“You can see the reaction of his team-mates towards him. They wanted him there at the front, enjoying it.
“He’s always very reserved and always doing things for the rest of the boys. He’s a fantastic player for the team.”
Saka’s different position explained
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has revealed his reasoning for deploying Bukayo Saka in a slightly different role against Sheffield United.
He said: “There was certain behaviours of the opponent that could allow certain spaces
“In relation to how the midfielders were behaving with our attacking midfielders,’ said Arteta.
“He did read that very good in certain moments.
“The timing sometimes was better than other times but it was another way to attack certain spaces that we believe were vulnerable to it.”
![Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with Bukayo Saka during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday October 28, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Arsenal. Photo credit should read: John Walton/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or âliveâ services. [â¦]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/arsenal-manager-mikel-arteta-bukayo-855597345.jpg)
Wenger talks Spurs title tilt
Arsene Wenger admits surprise Premier League table toppers Tottenham ARE in the title race.
The former Gunners boss told beIN Sports: “If I said after 10 games [they’d be] top of the league…
“You ask me, not a tricky question because I like always to say what I feel deeply, and I believe Tottenham will be one of the contenders for the league.
“They bought [James] Maddison, who is a great player and who is that link from low midfield to high midfield, and added some technical creativity to the team.
“They bought [Micky] Van de Ven who I find exceptional. I find him absolutely exceptional.
“They had weaknesses there [in defence] and last year [Hugo] Lloris didn’t have the best of seasons as well.
“And overall, the movement from Son [Heung-min] into the middle, looks very good.”
Wenger weighs in
Arsene Wenger has given his thoughts on Mikel Artete’s decision to drop Aaron Ramsdale in favour of David Raya.
During an appearance on beIN Sports, he said: “Personally I like Ramsdale.
“If I was in his position I would not give up. I believe he has the chance to come back into the team.’
When asked if he believes Ramsdale is better than Raya, Wenger replied: “Better… better… I don’t know if he’s better.
“I just think Ramsdale has made decisive saves in the games last season.
“They were not happy maybe with his feet, his distribution.”
Arteta hails Nketiah
Mikel Arteta has lauded Eddie Nketiah after the striker’s sensational hat-trick against Sheffield United.
The Spaniard said: “I’m really happy for him, an academy player, to experience in the Premier League a hat-trick.
“He needs to enjoy the moment. He fully deserves it and hopefully there are many more to come. He’s got an eye for goal.
“You look at his stats from the last 10 years. What he’s done is remarkable. He needs minutes, opportunities and service.
“If he gets that, Eddie is going to score goals, that’s for sure.
“He’s a great player for Arsenal. He can be better, yes.
“And the best thing is the talent that he’s got, but especially his mentality is incredible.
“When he has that mentality with that talent, he’s going to get much better.”
Saka in awe of armband
Bukayo Saka has relieved he was honoured to have been given the armband for the Gunners’ rout of Sheffield United.
He said: “I’m lost for words – it’s hard to describe this feeling, it’s just amazing. It was a different experience.
“Obviously I was learning on the job and sometimes I didn’t know where I was supposed to be!
“But in the end, we played well, which was the most important thing.”
