Mikel Arteta on whether he would be watching the Manchester Derby : “The only focus and the aim is to prepare for a very, very tough match”
Mikel Arteta was recently asked if he would he watching the Manchester Derby on Saturday. Arsenal are scheduled to face Nottingham Forest away from home later on Saturday evening. The Gunners sit six points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the table, who have dropped six points in the last three league matches.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta stated that his sole focus would be to prepare for the all-important battle against a very tricky opponent in Nottingham Forest. “We know that we can only focus on what we can do. When the games are earlier, if you have the possibility to see them, you do it, if they are later, the same, nothing changes. But the only focus and the aim is to prepare for a very, very tough match. We have experienced that over there, and we have to win it,” said Arteta.
Arsenal come on the back of a successful trip away to Chelsea in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinals. The Gunners emerged victorious by a score-line of 3-2, as they would welcome their London rivals in the reverse fixture at the Emirates in a couple of weeks.
Apart from Manchester City, Arsenal are involved in all four competitions this season. Mikel Arteta stated that he senses a unique spirit in his team this season, as they look to break their two-decade long draught in the EPL.
Arsenal have been among the most busy teams this season, already playing 32 matches in the first five months of the season. Their schedule is only going to get busier with UCL action returning next week.
“I think we are building very good momentum, and belief comes from performances, and the level of consistency that we have shown through our 32 games already this season, and what we did the other day at Stamford Bridge, it should help us to be very convinced that we have the ability to do that. But the reality is that you have to show it in every game and there’s still so much to happen. But we are glad that we are still alive in the four competitions,” Arteta added.
