Mikel Arteta press conference: Arsenal manager says Chelsea clash is ‘must-win game’, reveals Gunners may not sign ANYONE this month
Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal MUST beat Chelsea on Tuesday evening if they are to have any chance of finishing in the Premier League top four this season.
The Gunners make the short trip to west London tomorrow for what is the pick of the midweek games, with Arteta hoping to beat the Blues for revenge – and a vital three points.
Frank Lampard’s side came from behind to win when the two London rivals met only three weeks ago, and Arsenal’s results have been hit-and-miss since then.
They followed up the loss to Chelsea by securing an emphatic win over Manchester United and an FA Cup defeat of Leeds, but then drew with both Crystal Palace and Sheffield United to drop valuable Premier League points.
And Arteta is well aware his side must beat the Blues this time around to start adding points – quickly.
“It’s really important if we want to fight for the top four”, said the Spaniard at his pre-match press conference. “Tomorrow we need a win.”
Arsenal impressed when they played Chelsea last time out, although they faded in the second half and Lampard’s side scored twice to complete their comeback win.
“I loved the first 30-35 minutes and how much we wanted to put them under pressure,” added Arteta. “They changed the system and started to defend deep and physically it was harder to maintain that energy.
“Against Chelsea that is vital. We will go with the same intention.”
Arteta also discussed other topics during his press conference, and you can read the best bits, below…
Could Arsenal sign no one this month?
“That is possible. I don’t want to just bring players in, I want them to help the squad.”
On Eddie Nketiah
“It depends on the circumstances, the players we have and how he trains. I have to treat him like all the other players and it will depend on him.”
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On Arsenal’s defence
“The way we conceded [against Sheffield United] hurt. We have to have the ambition to score the second and third goal, as in the final moments in the Premier League the game is never closed.”
Will you favour Premier League or Europa League in battle to qualify for Champions League?
“We don’t know at the moment. We just have to get every performance as good as we can. To look further is unrealistic.”
Transfer update
“Things haven’t moved.”
On Layvin Kurzawa rumours
“There is nothing new to say. When we have more info we will let you know.”