Mikel Arteta says Arsenal playing at 'highest level' as new Premier League season nears
Updated 11/08/2024 at 19:59 GMT+1
Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal have shown they can hit the ground running when the new Premier League season starts next weekend. The Gunners play Wolves in their opening match of the campaign. They will be looking to improve on back-to-back second-placed finishes, having missed out on the title by just two points in 2023/24. Arsenal beat Lyon 2-0 in their final pre-season friendly on Sunday
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Video credit: TNT Sports
Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal are in great shape as they attempt to end their two-decade wait for the Premier League title.
The Gunners have finished second in each of the last two campaigns, missing out on the title to Manchester City by only two points in 2023/24.
But they rounded off their pre-season preparations in style by beating French side Lyon 2-0 to lift the Emirates Cup for an eighth time on Sunday.
Defenders William Saliba and Gabriel got the goals, both headers from Declan Rice corners.
"It was a really good test," the manager said. "I think over all it has been a really positive pre-season. The two games we have played here have been really competitive.
"I think the team was exceptional, especially in the first half. They had moments that they play at the highest level.
"It looked to me that they were [ready to go on the opening day], with the way they started.
"It's about maintaining that for 95 minutes, and that's the target and objective that we need to have. But there are positives to take from today's performance."
The game also saw new signing Riccardo Calafiori pull on an Arsenal shirt for the first time, under two weeks after his big-money move from Bologna.
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The Italian international received a warm welcome from the home fans at the Emirates Stadium, much to Arteta's delight.
"I just love it," he continued. "When the fans react like that to one of our own, it's great.
"The way you feel it straight away - it's love, he's respected. They are right behind you and that's an unbelievable platform for any player to join our club."
Arsenal kick off their Premier League season against Wolves next Saturday.
Defender Takehiro Tomiyasu will be unavailable for the first few matches though, due to a knee injury.
Discussing the left-back's return, Arteta added: "It will take weeks on that one, unfortunately. He is going to have to be patient and work through it."
The manager also addressed the future of forward Eddie Nketiah, who did not feature against Lyon.
Marseille have reportedly had two bids rejected for the England international, who has been with the club since joining from Chelsea when a 16-year-old.
He has made 168 appearances for the Gunners, netting 38 times, but is widely expected to leave in search of more game time.
Arteta, however, insists no move is imminent.
"All the players that are here, the biggest chance is that they stay with us," he said. "That's why they're here.
"We will see if there's something to decide. At the moment, there isn't."
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