Mikel Arteta reveals Arsenal’s long-term preparation for Manchester City clash
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that his side has been preparing for their crucial clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium since the summer.
The Gunners face the defending Premier League champions on Sunday, concluding a tough week that included high-energy fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur and Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League.
Despite missing several key players, Arsenal managed a hard-fought 1-0 victory in the North London derby against Spurs. They also secured a gritty 0-0 draw in Italy against Atalanta, keeping their momentum going ahead of the massive Premier League showdown.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Arteta shared insights into the team’s meticulous preparation. “We’ve been preparing for this since pre-season,” Arteta said. “Obviously, we knew the schedule, and it’s extremely rare to play in these conditions with three massive away games in six days.”
He emphasized the importance of both physical and mental readiness for such a demanding stretch. “We’ve prepared physically, mentally, and tactically to make sure everyone is ready, especially with the injuries that occurred during the international break.”
The Gunners are eager to take a significant step in their pursuit of the Premier League title, as they currently sit just behind City in the standings. Arteta’s detailed approach reflects Arsenal’s determination to challenge the reigning champions and build on their strong start to the season.