Mikel Arteta Archives

Exclusive: Trossard says Saka connection ‘just comes naturally’ and ‘more to come’

November 29, 2023

Leandro Trossard says his connection with Bukayo Saka “comes naturally” and he is enjoying playing in a variety of positions for Arsenal.

The Gunners can qualify for the Champions League knockout stages as group winners with victory at home to RC Lens on Wednesday, live on TNT Sports.

They currently lead the way in Group B and will be out for revenge in their match against Franck Haise’s side, having lost the reverse fixture 2-1 in France.

Trossard has featured in all four of Arsenal’s Champions League games so far and has contributed to three goals – scoring twice and assisting once – while sometimes playing in different positions.

“I think it could be a different role every week!” Trossard told TNT Sports.

“I like it, to be honest, I don’t mind playing in different positions. I try to help the team in many equations, with a goal or an assist and try to win games.

“I’ve been playing so many positions already in my youth as well and I think throughout my whole career I’ve played multiple positions and it’s helped me to develop as a player as well.”

Predominantly used on the left of a front three, Trossard has also played as a striker and dropped deeper into midfield.

Asked what his preferred role is for the Premier League leaders, the 28-year-old found it difficult to pick a spot.

“My favourite role? If you had asked me a couple of years ago I would have probably said left wing, but at the moment, it’s so hard to tell because I enjoy playing everywhere up front at the moment even as a nine, an attacking midfielder, a left winger,” he admitted.

On whether he needed to take on board different instructions for different positions, he added: “I’m used to it now!

“At the start, it was a bit different. Obviously, you need to be switched on at every moment because you need to take in all the information, of course, but you get used to it.

“For me, I know all those positions and it’s not that it changes every week within the role itself, each role has specifics and I just know when I need to play in that role, I need to pay a bit more attention to the main things.”

Saka leads the way for Arsenal goal contributions and has scored six and assisted eight across all competitions.

All five of Trossard’s goals this season – three in the league and two in Europe – have been set up by Saka, and the Belgian puts it down to Saka’s ability with the ball in the final third.

“I think it’s a coincidence,” Trossard said. “It’s not that we’re saying before the game ‘We’re going to have a goal together today’, I think it just comes naturally.

“B [Saka] is so good with the ball and I just know when he is in a one-on-one situation, I know I need to be inside the box in a good position and I’ve been on the end of those balls a lot recently and hopefully, many more to come.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 08: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Leandro Trossard after scoring the team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal FC and Sevilla FC at Emirates Stadium on November 08, 2023 in Londo

Image credit: Eurosport

On returning the favour, he added: “I want to do that as soon as possible. We’ve had some jokes about it and I need to feed him as well!”

Arteta will hope the pair will be firing in Europe once more as the Gunners look to wrap up top spot in Group B with a game to spare.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Arteta admitted the importance of getting the job done this week.

“We have the opportunity to do so at home, we have to finish it off,” he said. “We have a tough opponent in front, and we know because we already experienced that, so it will be a difficult game.

“Winning matches and always being the best in the group puts you in a much better position for the rest, it keeps momentum in a really good moment and tomorrow that’s what we want. Play well and earn the right to win the game.

“We know what we have to do, we have to prepare for the game to win it and finish top of the group and that’s the intention of the team.”

How to watch Arsenal v Lens?

TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a line-up of up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4), and up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), and TNT Sports Ultimate plus TNT Sports Box Office HD.

Arsenal v Lens will be live on TNT Sports 2 with coverage from 19:00 UK time on Wednesday, November 29, with kick-off at 20:00.

You can subscribe to TNT Sports through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

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TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media

Arteta adelt “Big Player” Havertz: “Er ist außergewöhnlich”

November 25, 2023

Als später Joker stach Kai Havertz am Samstagabend und verkam gegen den FC Brentford zum Matchwinner. Der Nationalspieler beendete damit seine eigene Durststrecke – und verhalf Trainer Mikel Arteta zu einem erfolgreichen Jubiläum.

Hatten nach dem späten Sieg über Brentford gut lachen: Mikel Arteta und Kai Havertz

IMAGO/Colorsport

Am 13. Spieltag der Premier League waren alle Augen auf das Gipfeltreffen gerichtet. Tabellenführer Manchester City empfing den ersten Verfolger aus Liverpool. Konnte sich der Titelverteidiger behaupten oder krallte sich der LFC die Tabellenführung? Diese Fragen sollten den Samstagnachmittag im englischen Fußball bestimmen. Die Antwort war jedoch eine ganz andere: Weil die beiden Teams sich die Punkte brüderlich geteilt hatten, wurde der FC Arsenal zum lachenden Dritten – und hatte das allen voran Kai Havertz zu verdanken.

Havertz, der nach seinem Wechsel im Somme vom FC Chelsea zum FC Arsenal einen schweren Stand bei den Anhängern der Gunners gehabt hatte. Schließlich hatte der millionenschwere deutsche Nationalspieler beinahe drei Monate für seinen ersten Treffer benötigt, sein Elfmetertor beim 4:0-Sieg über den AFC Bournemouth diente aber nicht als der dringend erhoffte Dosenöffner.

Zwei weitere Monate später könnte er ihn nun aber erlebt haben – den großen Moment, wie er ihn einst im Champions-League-Finale für Stadtrivale Chelsea gehabt hatte. Als bereits alles darauf hingedeutet hatte, dass Arsenal die Vorlage aus Manchester nicht würde nutzen können und den Sprung an die Tabellenspitze verpassen würde, brachte der erst in der Schlussphase gegen Brentford eingewechselte Offensivmann die Erlösung.

Havertz: “Für solche Momente spielt man Fußball”

“Es war ein spezieller Moment für mich, vor den Fans mit dem Trainer und meinen Mitspielern feiern zu können”, erklärte der 24-Jährige im Anschluss an den 1:0-Sieg über die Bees. “Es ist besonders, für solche Momente spielt man Fußball, solche Momente machen mich stolz.” Er sei “dankbar” für jeden, der zu ihm gehalten habe. “Ich hatte einige schwere Wochen und Monate, aber ich bin glücklich und hoffe, das in den kommenden Spielen wiederholen zu können.”

Groß war im Anschluss auch das Lob seines Trainers. Schließlich konnte sich Mikel Arteta bei seinem Joker bedanken, dass sein Team sein 200. Spiel als Trainer des FC Arsenal erfolgreich gestaltet hatte. Ob Tore wie diese der Grund gewesen seien, weshalb man Havertz verpflichtet habe, wurde Arteta auf der Pressekonferenz nach dem Spiel gefragt. “Ja, absolut. Gegen Mannschaften, die ihren Strafraum auf diese Art und Weise verteidigen, brauchst du genau dieses Spielerprofil. Er ist außergewöhnlich darin. Heute hat er das Spiel für uns gewonnen”, kam er ins Schwärmen.

Er ist ein Vorbild für uns alle, was man tun muss, wenn man Schwierigkeiten hat.

Mikel Arteta über Kai Havertz

“Wenn die Dinge leicht sind, werden sie nicht wertgeschätzt. Wenn es heute einfacher gelaufen wäre, hätte er nicht die Anerkennung bekommen, die er jetzt bekommen hat”, erklärte Arteta, angesprochen auf Havertz’ Durststrecke. “Jeder hat ihn umarmt und ihm gesagt, wie sehr wir ihn lieben – und das hat einen Grund. Es liegt an seiner Art, wie er sich in schwierigen Momenten verhält. Er ist ein Vorbild für uns alle, was man tun muss, wenn man Schwierigkeiten hat. Wir können nicht glücklicher darüber sein, dass ein ‘Big Player’ wie er das Spiel für uns gewonnen hat.”

‘That’s what big players do’ – Arteta lauds Havertz after win at Brentford

November 25, 2023

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing, NBA and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

‘One of the best-run clubs in the league’ – Arteta on facing ‘incredible’ Brentford

November 24, 2023

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing, NBA and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

Brighton prepared to lose Man Utd transfer target Ferguson – Paper Round

November 22, 2023

Brighton concede United target Ferguson could leave

Manchester United target, Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, could be on the move, according to The Sun.

The paper claims that the south coast club’s chief executive, Paul Barber, believes the club may ultimately have to let him leave.

“Brighton CEO Paul Barber has hinted striker Evan Ferguson could leave the club despite recently signing a new deal,” the story states.

“The Ireland star, 19, broke through as a Premier League regular last season and already has 15 goals in 43 games for the South Coast side.

“His impressive start to the campaign has seen him linked with a £100million move to the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham.

“But hopes of luring him away from the Seagulls were dashed earlier this month when he signed a new six-year deal to keep him under contract until 2029.

“However, Brighton chief exec Barber has refused to rule out him moving elsewhere.”

Arteta given new reason to chase Toney

The Mirror reports that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could step up his chase of Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who is approaching the end of his betting ban.

Current first-choice forward, Gabriel Jesus has scored just 15 goals in 44 appearances for The Gunners.

“Mikel Arteta has been given further incentive to pursue his interest in signing Ivan Toney in January following a candid admission from striker Gabriel Jesus,” the paper explains.

“The Brazilian striker failed to get on the scoresheet as his side were beaten 1-0 by arch rivals Argentina in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night, in a game overshadowed by crowd trouble. It continued the 26-year-old’s dubious goal record for the Selecao, with his total of 19 strikes in 63 games equating to less than one every three games.

“Jesus has been under pressure from his country’s fans after failing to find the net at the 2018 World Cup, despite starting five games. His campaign in Qatar last year was curtailed by a knee injury which ruled him out for three months.

“And Arsenal’s £45million signing, despite impressing with his all-round play, has also been criticised for not being prolific since joining from Manchester City in the summer of 2022. He’s scored just 15 times in 44 club appearances, a notion that has undoubtedly concerned Arteta.

“Somewhat alarmingly for a forward, while on international duty Jesus has admitted goals are not his ‘strong point.’”

Jorginho contract talks make no progress

The Mail reports that Jorginho could be on his way back to AC Milan as talks over a new deal at the Emirates have stalled.

The 31-year-old Italian international has only started four games for Arsenal so far this season.

The paper writes: “Jorginho’s contract talks with Arsenal are ‘at a standstill’, according to the midfielder’s agent.

“The 31-year-old’s deal with the north London club currently runs until 2024 after he signed an 18-month deal from Chelsea last January.

“However, his agent Joao Santos confirmed that ‘everything is at a standstill,’ adding: ‘We’ll think about it after February. However, the priority remains Arsenal.’

“Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been a big fan of Jorginho, but he has only started four of Arsenal’s 12 Premier League matches.

“While he has been a valuable asset for European games, there are talks of a desired return to AC Milan for the former Chelsea man.”

Fulham and Liverpool in race for Andre

Manchester United appear to have dropped out of the running for Fluminese midfielder Andre Trindade, according to the Evening Standard.

Two clubs who retain an interest for the 22-year-old Brazilian are Fulham and Liverpool.

The paper writes: “Fulham are targeting a January move for Fluminense midfielder Andre, with Wolfsburg striker Jonas Wind among potential forward options.

“Marco Silva is expected to be heavily backed in the transfer market after signing a new contract until 2026.

“Fulham have moved ahead of Liverpool and Manchester United in the race to sign Andre after their chief executive Alistair Mackintosh flew to Brazil for face-to-face talks last week.

“Mackintosh was at the iconic Maracana stadium to watch the 22-year-old Brazil international lead Fluminense to victory over Boca Juniors in the final of the Copa Libertadores.

“Talks over a potential £30million move continue as Andre seeks a Premier League move after the Brazilian season ends in early December.”

Arteta charged by FA for comments made after Newcastle loss

November 16, 2023

Nach Arsenal-Stellungnahme: Referee-Boss Webb verteidigt umstrittenen VAR-Check

November 15, 2023

Vor anderthalb Wochen hatte Arsenal durch ein diffiziles Gegentor in Newcastle verloren. Nun verteidigte Schiedsrichter-Boss Howard Webb den Dreifach-VAR-Check – dafür hätte Kai Havertz Rot sehen müssen.

Arsenal-Profis bedrängen Schiedsrichter Stuart Attwell in Newcastle – doch der bekam nun Rückendeckung von seinem Boss.

IMAGO/Shutterstock

An der Tabellenspitze der Premier League geht es so eng zu, dass Arsenal als derzeitiger Dritter mit nur zwei Punkten mehr schon Spitzenreiter wäre. Umso mehr dürfte einige bei den Gunners immer noch die 0:1-Niederlage bei Newcastle United am 4. November ärgern. Damals hatte Anthony Gordon in der 64. Minute ein Siegtor geschossen, das nachhallte – bis heute.

Der Treffer hatte gleich drei VAR-Überprüfungen standgehalten: Die Fragen, ob der Ball im Vorfeld die Seitenauslinie überschritten, ob Vorarbeiter Joelinton Gabriel gefoult und ob Torschütze Gordon im Abseits gestanden hatte, waren vom Referee-Team um Feld-Schiedsrichter Stuart Attwell allesamt negativ beschieden worden, was einen Furor in Nordlondon auslöste.

Erst sprach Trainer Mikel Arteta grollend von einer “absoluten Schande” und davon, wie ihn “diese Leute” “krank” machen. Dann veröffentlichte Arsenal am Tag danach ein bemerkenswertes Statement mit der Aufforderung an die Schiedsrichter-Vereinigung PGMOL, “sich dringend mit dem Niveau der Schiedsrichterleistungen zu befassen” und mit Maßnahmen, “die uns alle weiter bringen als rückwirkende Analysen, Erklärungsversuche und Entschuldigungen”.

Webb: Ablauf ungewöhnlich, aber “korrekt”

Doch im Gegensatz zu vielen anderen Szenen in dieser Saison blieb eine Entschuldigung der PGMOL diesmal aus. Vielmehr erklärte nun deren Chef Howard Webb, dass der Ablauf rund um Gordons Siegtor “korrekt” gewesen sei. “Der VAR hat das sorgfältig geprüft und keine eindeutigen Beweise gefunden, um einzugreifen und das Tor zu annullieren. Es war eine ungewöhnliche Situation mit drei Aspekten für den VAR”, sagte der frühere Top-Schiedsrichter in der am Dienstagabend bei “Sky Sports” und “TNT Sports” ausgestrahlten Sendung “Match Officials: Mic’d Up”. Zwar hätte jeweils die Feld-Entscheidung auch anders lauten können, eine klare Fehlentscheidung sei Attwell aber durch keine Kameraeinstellung nachzuweisen gewesen.

Allerdings hätte Attwell Webb zufolge gleich zwei Spielern noch vor der Pause Rot zeigen müssen: erst Kai Havertz für dessen rücksichtsloses Foul an Sean Longstaff, dann auf der anderen Seite Bruno Guimaraes für einen Ellenbogeneinsatz gegen Jorginho. “In Zukunft würden wir in solchen Situationen Rote Karten erwarten”, betonte Webb.

Category: Mikel Arteta