Arsenal Press Conference: Arteta Talks Injuries, Gyokeres’ Form and Everton Clash

Mikel Arteta faced the media ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League encounter with Everton, following a narrow victory over Wolves in a largely unconvincing display. Arteta will be aiming to put that performance behind them when they travel to Hill Dickinson on Saturday evening, with an opportunity to respond in more convincing fashion.

Here are some key takeaways from Mikel Arteta’s press conference:

On facing Everton

Mikel Arteta confirmed it will be a difficult game against the Toffees:

“It is a really tough place to go. We all know that and that’s why we’re going to have to be at our best to win on Saturday.”

“In the last few years, we have had a very good record away from home.” Arteta added that: “these are the places that you have to go and win the game, and in order to achieve that, we're going to have to be really good.”

Fitness Updates

Mikel Arteta confirmed Ben White will be sidelined for a few weeks, following his hamstring injury. “He’s out. It’s not a major injury, but it will keep him out for a few games.”

The manager also revealed some positive news on the injury front: “Gabriel is pushing hard, as he always does every time out. He’s evolving really well and he’s not too far. We have to see in the last few stages of the rehab how he progresses.”

In addition, “Havertz is also progressing really well and quite fast in the last few weeks. We are really positive if everything continues like that in the next training sessions he will be with us very soon.”

On Injury Headaches: 

“So far, in December, my headaches have come from having no options in the front line and no options in the backline. That's a headache.”

Arteta highlighted that having multiple options in certain positions doesn’t give him selection headaches, but: “the headaches are when you have to make decisions that you know make the team weaker, or you cannot make decisions, because you're going to expose all the players, or players that you give too much game time, probably get injured as well, so that's a headache.”

On Arteta Sixth Year as Arsenal Manager:

When asked about his tenure in charge, Arteta reflected: 

“It has gone fast, but it has been an incredible journey and I have enjoyed every minute of it.”

Arteta added: “I have to take this job day-by-day. I do the same as day one, to do your best and to do what you feel. Make sure that the people are onboard with you and what you do, and that's it. And then at the end in the mind, it's about winning, that's it.”

On Facing Former Manager, David Moyes:

“Great gratitude and admiration for David. I think my time at Everton taught me the love that he has for the game and then the integrity that the game requires at any cost. You know, I think he's a remarkable man. I think the way he managed the club, the people, and players is outstanding. 

Arteta added: “I'm very grateful for everything that he did for me, but I think in general for English football as well, because it's been an example of how to behave in good moments and in difficult ones. I think David Moyes is something extraordinary.”

On Arteta’s Assessment of Gyokeres: 

“Well, I think the level of attention on him hasn't changed since he signed, to today. It is normal. You know, everybody was so excited to bring a nine into the club. A player with an incredible goal scoring record.”

“He has had to adapt to a league. He had no preseason which was difficult, because physically he wasn't in his best state, and he's a player that needs that like any other playing in this league to perform at that level. Then he kicked on, I think he had a really good period and then got injured, and now he is back.”

“But I saw a lot of positive things in the last 2 games that he's done. We need to continue to tweak and understand him a little bit better in certain situations, but that is about time, and we have full support for him.”

The Gunners face a challenging test against Everton tomorrow, Arteta will hope his side can respond positively, build momentum and deliver a dominant performance that reflects their ambitions in the Premier League.