Arteta confident as Arsenal prepares for season opener at Old Trafford

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has shared his thoughts ahead of the Gunners’ Premier League curtain-raiser against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

The North London side heads into the new campaign after a mixed pre-season run, winning three and losing two, but rounded off preparations with an encouraging victory over Athletic Club. Amongst the positives for the Gunners is the arrival of new signings like Viktor Gyökeres, who opened his Arsenal account last Saturday, and the trio of Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhães, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori, who are all back in shape.

As captured by Sixsports during the Spanish gaffer’s presser on Friday afternoon, Arteta discussed Gyokeres and the squad’s readiness and a hard cracker against Manchester United. 

Speaking on Gyökeres’ readiness, Arteta told Arsenal media:

“Yeah, he’s getting better and better every day. It’s true he hasn’t trained much with us, but let’s see what he does on Sunday.”

On the motivation to go again this season, the Spaniard reflected by saying:

“You keep digging, digging, digging and one day the gold is going to be there. After three seasons we have more points than any other team in this league which is incredible.”

Arteta also admitted his excitement for the new campaign is at an all-time high:

“I think it gets you more and more excited and the staff come every single day with a smile on their face.”

When asked about the significance of facing United, he acknowledged the history between the two clubs:

 “It’s history, it’s the clashes when I was younger as well playing for both teams and it created something special in those games.”

The Old Trafford clash marks the beginning of a daunting run of fixtures for Arteta’s men, with upcoming trips to Anfield and the Etihad looming. But Arteta remains focused on taking things step-by-step. 

He said: 

“We have to play each other at some point. We will go game by game and make the best preparations and earn the right to win the game.”

The game between Arsenal and Manchester United has been scheduled for Sunday at Old Trafford.