Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta sent message by “phenomenal” talent amid timely injury boost
The Arsenal boss has been encouraged to hand one fringe player more first-team minutes while also receiving a timely injury boost before a trip to West Ham on Sunday
Now that the dust has settled on Arsenal’s 2-2 draw away at Liverpool on Sunday, Mikel Arteta is likely to have filed it as a good point gained and shifted focus to the next fixture.
That just so happens to be another away clash, albeit a significantly shorter one as the Gunners visit their London rivals West Ham on Sunday afternoon. While there has been plenty of discussion over Arsenal’s trips to Manchester City and Newcastle later on in the season, Arteta knows his side can ill afford to have any more slip-ups in this thrilling race for the title.
He’ll be heartened by his team’s away record this term, with Arsenal proving they are one of the best at getting results on the road so far this season ahead of their game in east London.
With that being said, Mirror Football has identified some of the main headlines and talking points centred around Arsenal on Friday, April 14.
Arteta sent message over playing time
Gunners deputy goalkeeper Matt Turner has praised Arteta – but admitted he wants to be playing more games for the club after a season as Aaron Ramsdale’s back-up.
“I show up to training with the right mentality,” the USA international told CBS Sport. “I work really, really hard to improve in the areas I need to. I’m trying to compete to get onto the field.
“I think Aaron Ramsdale and I have become better goalkeepers from challenging each other.
“Obviously, he is having a great season and is making big saves in big moments. I can’t really complain with where I stand but I am working really, really hard.
“I hold him accountable and he holds me accountable. We’ve been developing a close relationship which has pushed us both forward.”
Arteta has previously labelled Turner’s performances as “phenomenal”, so he could be in line for more minutes soon enough.
Find Turner’s comments in full HERE.
Gunners get injury boost
Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has returned to training in a timely boost for the Gunners ahead of an intense final eight games during the Premier League title run-in.
England Under-21’s record goalscorer has been missing for over a month with an ankle problem but was pictured in training at London Colney on Tuesday ahead of his return.
There is every chance that Nketiah features for the Gunners against the Hammers on Sunday, which would certainly be a positive for Arteta.
He has scored nine goals in all competitions this season, including a delightful finish against West Ham in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day.
Nketiah will be out to add to that tally if given the chance this weekend.
Find the full story HERE.
Arsenal handed odd title omen
Arsenal’s previous Premier League title triumphs have coincided with dark times for Leicester – and another repeat could be on the cards this season.
The Gunners are eight games from a potential first league title since 2004, having surpassed all expectations this season.
Leicester meanwhile, who’ve finished fifth twice in the last three years and won an FA Cup, are facing the drop. The Foxes currently sit in the bottom three having seen Brendan Rodgers leave the club recently – but their poor season could be a good omen for Arsenal.
Discover why HERE.
#Arsenal #news #Mikel #Arteta #message #phenomenal #talent #timely #injury #boost, 1681445721
