Every word that Mikel Arteta said in his pre-game press conference ahead of Arsenal travelling to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
The Gunners head down to the Seagulls with the chance to return to the top of the Premier League table. Arsenal currently sit second to Liverpool by two points through 30 games with the Reds not in action again until they travel to Manchester United come Sunday afternoon.
Arsenal, albeit briefly, regained first place on Wednesday night after beating Luton Town 2-0 without Bukayo Saka. The 22-year-old missed the Emirates Stadium affair after sustaining an injury at Manchester City. Saka is now pushing at London Colney to return away to Brighton.
So, with that in mind, here is every word that Arteta had to say about Saka plus Emile Smith Rowe, Kai Havertz and more in the Arsenal boss’ pre-Brighton press conference this Friday…
On if Bukayo Saka is available to face Brighton
“We’ll know now. We have a training session in a few hours and we will know whether he’s fit or not. [Everyone else] seems ok.”
On Arsenal’s depth after beating Luton
“Yeah, I was obviously very pleased with the result and the performance. And the fact that everybody responded in the way that we expected.
“And when you make changes, obviously, there is this possibility because they haven’t played that much. But I think the boys were really, really good.”
On Emile Smith Rowe’s reaction after beating Luton
“You could see that [he was happy]. But I think a good example is Reiss, as well. In the previous game, he was not in the squad and then next game, he’s ready to start you
“He is someone that doesn’t react the way he did if you’re not ready to perform. So, I’m really pleased with that kind of reaction in the team. And, obviously, I mean, I think he was really, really strong in the game.”
On Arsenal winning the title through their away games
“Yes, but at home, as well. And we have the Champions League games. and we have some big games at home, as well. So, every game in this league is extremely difficult.
“Last night, what happened again, and everybody’s just suffering to win because the level is so high and we’re going to have a really tough opponent again in Brighton, we know that. Prepare well and try to be better than them, and try to win.”
On Liverpool’s win over Sheffield United and Chelsea’s win over Manchester United
“I was watching it. Yeah, I was watching a bit of both to be fair and there is a delay because the game, especially the Chelsea-Manchester United one, was worth until the end.
“It was fantastic. It is unbelievable the league that we are involved in. It’s just a joy the level and the quality of the players and the show that they put in, it’s just fantastic.”
On Thomas Partey’s comments after beating Luton
“He better have his head here because we’re playing for big things and that’s what we expect. And we need him because he’s a top player, a very important player for us and you could see on the pitches what impact that he can have for us.”
On Thomas Partey’s contract situation
“Partey has one more year contract and I’m really happy with him.”
On Kai Havertz’s best Premier League season for goal involvements
“Yes, [I’m] very pleased. He’s got incredible qualities to occupy different spaces in the attacking phase, to thread a goal, to link up play, when you have to be more direct, as well, to give you the layout as well.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Arsenal ace Kai Havertz from his girlfriend to height
“Not only that, I think his contribution defensively is outstanding for the team. His work rate and the effort that he puts in in the high press especially. But he’s got more to come, more games to come. He needs to improve those numbers and I’m sure he will try to do it.
“I don’t think [we’ve seen his best yet]. At his age and he’s just started with us, you know. It’s just the first season. He’s building those relationships, we’re moving in different positions, as well, and he’s that good and that intelligent that he can be much better.”
On Arsenal’s defensive record
“I talked about the defensive organisation of the team and the defensive phase and then the desire that the players have to keep clean sheets and to defend well and make life difficult for the opponents.
“That gives us a big platform and the weekend, that’s going to be a really important thing because they are a top side.”
On Brighton and Roberto De Zerbi
“[I‘m] very impressed. [He is a] top manager, top coaching staff. I’ve seen an unbelievable football club. What they’ve done deserves incredible credit.
“The way they run the football club, the decisions they have made and how they have established [themselves] in the league and now fighting with the top clubs, as well.
“I think they did a magnificent job and I think Roberto has given a very clear style and [an] attractive way of playing football and they make life very, very difficult for the opponent.”
On what more Arsenal need to do to win the Premier League title
“Win more games. That’s what we have to do and we still know that it’s open. We have to transform that into winning and winning and winning. It’s the only way to have the chance in the last game of the season to [win the title].”
On Arsenal having the best attack and defence but being second in the table
“This is the level. This has been the level for the last six or seven years in this league and the margins are so small. Let’s see, we will have to see those numbers at the end of the last game and, hopefully, if those are maintained, I think we will have a good chance.”
On which record Mikel Arteta is most proud of
“Only the winning one. The one that I want is the winning one. Only the process is super important at the end. We want that to reflect in the outcome which is what we’re hoping for.”
On Arsenal potentially giving Roberto De Zerbi sleepless nights
“I think we all think the same about the opponent. I have the same feeling with them. We finished the game and it’s straight into Brighton. But we have to select the best line-up, as well.
“And the thing is that we have to plan to train the way we have to train to give them the right recovery and be ready to win again.”
On Mikel Arteta watching Arsenal’s title rivals play
“I don’t know. I have to feel it. I think every game will be different. I think my wife and kids will have a big say on that, as well. Because the little one would come and he wants to play with the Lego or go outside to play football with him or go to do something else.
“I think I will watch the majority of parts of those games for sure. But, for sure, it will be with them.”
On Arsenal building a defensive unit
“Well, I think if you want to be dominant in games and you want to suffocate opponent, you have to have the full order to do that. When you have, use it in the best possible way with the maximum threat
“And when you don’t, you try to win as quick as possible as far as possible from the pitch. [If] you cannot do that, then you have to do something else. But they all know how important is in football [in] every phase of play to be fair.”
On learning from Mikel Arteta’s previous managers
“Obviously, I have learned a lot from all my coaches. [David Moyes] is a really good example not only on that sense but in many other things that he does that I really admire. And you try to pick things there and then blend it and make your own.”
On Arsenal not being involved in games like Chelsea 4-3 Manchester United
“We have been involved in a few of those, probably not that recently. But I have expectations as a football fan, I think it was a hell of a game.”
On Bukayo Saka potentially burning out
“I’m super positive. I think he’s going to fly and be so decisive. I think [he can return quickly] because he’s so strong, how much he wants it when you talk to him, and how excited he is about what is coming.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka from his age, parents and house
“He wants to be there and he’s getting better and better. It’s normal you have little niggles [and] you have kicks. He’s gone through a lot of that in the last two or three years and I’m loving the way he’s performing.”
On Emile Smith Rowe’s difficult last few years
“I look at him and what happened within the last few seasons, especially with him by what happened pre-season, as well. Take all that, it is the best thing that could have happened for him in his career if you use it in the right way now.
“So, don’t look back and say, ‘Oh, if not this happened’. Use it. ‘That was the best thing that could have happened. I had great moments, I had difficult moments. Now, I know what I want, how to deal with that. That’s gonna make me a much better player’.
“And you could see the hell of a player that we have in him when he’s fit and he’s playing at that level.”
On Rob Edwards saying Arsenal don’t have any weaknesses
“That’s probably managers that we see all the time. More, sometimes, where we don’t have them, where we actually have. But it’s good to hear from other managers what they think about the team. We can still evolve a lot and we’ll try to do that.”
On where Arsenal do have weaknesses
“I cannot tell you but I think we have many areas [to improve].”
On Arsenal intimidating opponents in the tunnel
“It’s very difficult to have the feeling of what the opponents are feeling.
“I’ve been in the tunnel playing with a different shirt and looking at the Invincibles and I did have the feeling that ‘tonight is going to be really tough’. Hopefully, we can create that and that’s something very positive for the team.”