Mikel Arteta says Arsenal can ‘beat big teams’ ahead of facing title rivals Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend.
Arsenal host the league leaders in a huge showdown at the Emirates on Sunday, with the Gunners currently third in the table and five points behind Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Victory for Arsenal would move them within reach of the top and Arteta is confident that his team can rise to the occasion. The North Londoners have lost just once at home in the Premier League this season, beating both Manchester City and Manchester United in the capital.
“We have had the opportunity to refresh and reconnect again when we went to Dubai. We had a long period then between the Forest and Palace games,” he said at his pre-match press conference.
“My feeling is that we continue to play really well and need to be much efficient in the final third and that’s helpful for the forthcoming matches.
“This season we have beat big teams already and this is another good opportunity to beat Liverpool and be in a better place. We talk about momentum and we won the last two games and we want to win the third one, especially at home with our people.
“It’s going to be an incredible atmosphere and we need that. So I encourage everyone to play with us every single ball.”
This weekend’s game will see Arteta come up against Klopp in the Premier League for the final time, after the German’s decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season.
“Will I miss Klopp? Absolutely. I think he’s going to be a big loss,” Arteta said.
“He’s been an inspiration and someone who has added a new dimension to the Premier League. I am really attracted by his way of playing, setting up teams, and transforming a club as well. He will be missed but for now he is here.”
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