Arteta insists Arsenal making progress; unsure about Aubameyang return
Mikel Arteta claimed that Arsenal are going in the “right direction” again after their 0-0 draw with Manchester United.
Arsenal have revived their fortunes over the past month or so, although they could only claim one point off title-challengers United.
The draw extended their unbeaten run at home to five games, putting them in eighth place in the Premier League.
While a win would have been a bigger statement, Arteta believed the point showed the progress his players have been making recently.
“We are moving in the right direction,” he said. “All the players are willing to contribute to the project we have in place and they seem excited.”
Arsenal had to navigate the game without several of their key players, which Arteta admitted had an impact.
“The fact that we had three of our best players out probably has an impact,” he said. “But I’m really happy with the players who played today.”
The most notable absentee was captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is in quarantine after returning to the country following a family incident.
Arteta is not sure when he will be able to call upon his striker again, as they vowed to follow the guidelines.
“We have to follow the rules and the protocols right now and the protocols say he cannot be involved at the moment. We have to respect that and the doctor is managing the situation currently.
“He had a family issue he had to attend to and these are the consequences to that.
“I don’t know [how long he’ll be out for]. We are working with the Premier League and government about it. He’s been looking after his family and now he’s in quarantine.”
Arteta praises Emile Smith Rowe
One of the players who has stepped up in recent weeks is Emile Smith Rowe. There have been questions about how the attacking midfielder will keep his place after the arrival of Martin Odegaard, but Smith Rowe still started the game.
Arteta was complimentary of the youngster for both phases of his game.
“I think he played a really good game,” he said. “When he got involved I think he made a real difference.
“Defensively he’s working so hard as well. He had a really strong performance.”
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Some other younger players may be on their way out before Monday’s transfer deadline, though. For example, Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been linked with a loan exit.
Without mentioning names, Arteta admitted some players could leave before the deadline.
“There are some conversations that are going on,” he confirmed.
“I spoke with all of the players about their own situation because they are all aware of the minutes that they are playing and they want to improve their situation.
“I am willing to help them. Some of them the club is willing to help them and we will try to find a solution at the end. But I don’t know whether it’s going to be the case or not.”
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