We have been working on it during the week, trying to analyse and see the best way to face them. We know we have to be really focused, really solid, and really compact in that moment because we know the quality they have in that moment. But we have our ideas, we have our way, and we believe in our way to defend them. Hopefully, we can do it well on Sunday.
How do you plan to deal with Arsenal’s in-form players like Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe?
They are really good players. They are in a good moment. They are top players in the Premier League. But we are going to try to make them uncomfortable. We are going to try to make them uncomfortable in the way that they don’t have the same space, the same time, the same conditions to create the problems that they have been creating for the other opponents in the last games.
Of course, it’s not just about them. Arsenal have a lot of quality players. From the goalkeeper to the top of the pitch, they are really strong in that moment. But we have our ideas, we have our way to try to face them, and we have to put our focus on them, but also not forget the other players that can make a difference in the game.
Emile Smith Rowe will be facing his former club for the first time, how do you think he will handle the emotions of that?
He’s a really good player. He’s a top player. He’s a really focused player as well. I don’t think it’s going to be an issue for him. Of course, he has his emotions, he has his feelings, but he’s a really focused player. I’m sure he’s going to be really focused on the game, on the tactics, on the way we want to play the game. I don’t expect any problem from him in that moment.
He’s a top professional. He’s a top player. He’s a top guy. I’m sure he’s going to be really, really focused on the game, and he’s going to do his best to help us to try to win that game, even if it’s against his former club.
Overall, Mikel Arteta is pleased with the performances of both Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe. He sees Iwobi’s versatility and improvement in attack as crucial for the team, while he acknowledges that Smith Rowe is still adapting to the demands of the Premier League but is confident in his potential and consistency in the future.