Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is looking forward to victory against Southampton on Saturday, which would see the Gunners become the second club after Manchester United to secure 400 home wins in the English Premier League.
Arsenal and champions Manchester City are the only unbeaten sides in the league this season. The London club are third spot in the league table and on same number of points as City who have a superior goal diffidence.
Meanwhile, Southampton, who have Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo in his squad, have struggled since their promotion to the English top flight last season. The Saints have lost five of their six matches, boasting only one point.
“It’s a huge privilege every time I am sitting there and surrounded by the players and our supporters and being part of that incredible atmosphere,” Arteta said during his pre-match press conference on Friday.
“It makes me proud that we have built something special here that our people feel proud of, that the players enjoy what they do and hopefully we can continue to win football matches.”
On Southampton’s dismal form, Arteta said:
“From what I have seen, they deserve much more than what they have already. This is the Premier League and the small details are so important to get results.”
The Spaniard provided injury updates on Oleksandr Zinchenko and Martin Odegaard ahead of the game, saying:. “Alex probably after the international break if everything goes well. He is progressing well.
“Martin is very difficult. I expected still with the boot and a lot of things but he’s working so hard and he’s pushing. Difficult to give a timeline.”
Kai Havertz will be making his 200th appearance in English football in the game and Arteta was full of praise for the German.
“He is so good, he wants it so much and he is surrounded by great players. The fact that he has got through some difficult moments has made him a better player and a better person I think,” he stated.
