Mikel Arteta has explained the pivotal reason why Arsenal have an ‘advantage’ over their Premier League rivals going forward.
The Gunners are once again favourites to snatch fourth spot, which would give them Champions League qualification ready for next season. They are two points above Tottenham, who occupy fifth, with both teams having played 33 matches.
Arsenal beat Manchester United 3-1 at home in their last outing. Nuno Tavares, Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka all found the net for Arteta’s side.
Tottenham, in contrast, were held to a 0-0 draw by Brentford. And they lost 1-0 to Brighton at home in the game before that.
Arteta is benefitting hugely from Arsenal’s summer transfer policy. They brought in relatively young stars with huge potential.
Martin Odegaard and Takehiro Tomiyasu have both been impressive since joining on permanent deals. Ben White and Aaron Ramsdale look solid, too.
The only exception to the rule is Belgian midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga. He is yet to reach the heights expected of him, although that could happen in the future.
Arteta can also utilise talented youngsters Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli.
Mikel Arteta enjoys Arsenal ethos
The Spaniard thinks everyone at the Emirates is getting involved in their emphasis on young talent. It has helped Arsenal take a ‘great leap forward’, while also giving them an ‘advantage’ over other Prem teams.
“I think the team has made a great leap forward in terms of identity, play, style, clarity,” Arteta said during an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca.
“They (the young players) have shown that they have the ability to win games and to be decisive, and they have done so in a very consistent way for many games.
“You have to be very careful because the leap is very big. We have to protect them so that when other moments come, we can be there too.
“That connection that we have made with all the employees from within, with the players in the sense of…