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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has commended opposite number Ange Postecoglou’s impact at Tottenham ahead of the north London derby on Sunday.
Postecoglou’s free-scoring Spurs have netted 13 times in five Premier League matches to make an unbeaten start to the top-flight campaign.
Arteta admitted he is a fan of the Australian, who has positively changed the atmosphere at Spurs despite the summer departure of star striker Harry Kane.
“They have a new challenge, a new opportunity, they have a new manager who is doing really well and he’s managed to change the vibe around the club and with a different style too, so we need to be ourselves and produce the performance to beat them,” Arteta said.
“I really like (Postecoglou) him. I have players who had him before and they always speak really highly of him, which is not a coincidence because straight away he’s fitting in the right way and that’s the beauty of the league where there are top managers, competition and every game is very difficult.
“The recent year has been beautiful (Arsenal won twice last season against Tottenham) and it’s about being with our supporters when we manage to win the game and the satisfaction that you give to everyone. It’s a special day for everybody and hopefully, we can do that again.
“They have many qualities (despite Kane’s departure) so it’s a big change but they have adapted well to it.”
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou after Tottenham beat Manchester United. (Photo by John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images)
Goalkeeper David Raya has started ahead of Aaron Ramsdale in Arsenal’s last two games, against Everton and then PSV in the Champions League.
Arteta insisted he understands Ramsdale’s frustration of not playing and highlighted the competition for places which forced a change at No.1.
“I understand (his frustration) and it’s very difficult for every player and I suffer and care about every player who’s not playing but this is the competition and this is my job as well to make decisions in the best possible way for the team,” Arteta added.
“He’s been very supportive and good around the place and that’s what I expect from every single player because when you’re on the field there is someone else who’s not so it works both ways. So far he’s been very good.
“I haven’t decided who will start.”
Arteta lauded captain Martin Odegaard after the midfielder signed a new long-term deal at the Emirates.
“He’s got a really good balance (as a captain) and you notice him around the building because he always does the right things, he’s funny and likeable, committed and I’m really happy to have him as a captain,” Arteta added.
© AAP
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