Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta emphasized the importance of defeating top teams if his squad aims to secure trophies this season.
Speaking on Tuesday ahead of their Premier League match against Manchester United, Mikel Arteta noted the daunting challenge ahead.
Note that both teams are also set to face off again in the FA Cup third round this coming January.
Arteta remarked, “It’s going to be a significant match once more. This has been a recurring theme in recent seasons, where we encounter formidable opponents early in the tournament. However, overcoming these big teams is crucial if we want to triumph.”
As the reigning FA Cup champions, United are expected to be a formidable opponent against Arsenal, having claimed victory against Manchester City in the final of the tournament last season.
Ahead of his first meeting with coach Ruben Amorim on Wednesday, Mikel Arteta acknowledged the history between Arsenal and Amorim’s former club, Sporting Lisbon, noting that Sporting eliminated Arsenal from the Europa League in 2023.
Following that, Arsenal’s strong performance against the Portuguese side, winning 5-1 in the Champions League last week, has set the stage for a thrilling encounter between Arteta’s Arsenal and Amorim’s new club, Manchester United.
When asked about pursuing revenge, Arteta clarified, “It’s not about revenge. In football, it’s all about seizing another opportunity. This match will be very different from our previous encounter. Our recent game against Sporting showed a different team dynamic, and that experience doesn’t bear weight on what lies ahead.”