Mikel Arteta addresses injuries, tactics, and his expectations for the upcoming match against Newcastle United in his pre-match press conference.

• Mikel Arteta talks about Gabriel’s fitness and William Saliba’s injury progress
• The Arsenal boss discusses the importance of adapting to different opposition styles and tactics
• Arteta praises Martin Odegaard for his goals and late runs into the box

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta addressed the media in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s match against Newcastle United, discussing a range of topics including injury updates on Gabriel and William Saliba, his thoughts on Newcastle’s season, and how the Premier League title race is shaping up.

Gabriel’s fitness remains uncertain as Arteta said, “We’ll have to see tomorrow how he is, but he could not finish the game [against Chelsea] so that was obviously a big sign for us.”

As for William Saliba, the manager revealed that there hasn’t been much progress with his injury and he’s still unable to participate in first-team activities.

Arteta also talked about the importance of last week’s win against Chelsea and how it showcased the team’s determination and desire to win.

He stressed the need for Arsenal to find moments to “kill” games and finalise better in the matches they’ve drawn.

The Arsenal manager praised Newcastle United, acknowledging their current third-place standing in the league and their intelligent decision-making. He also spoke about Sam Allardyce’s return to coaching and the impact he’s had on English football.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s game, Arteta emphasised the need to adapt to Newcastle’s playing style and improve on their previous performance against the Magpies. He noted that Arsenal will have to play much better than they did last year to secure a win.

Regarding recent defensive changes and injuries, Arteta said the team can’t control certain things and should focus on finding the right solutions to win matches. He also discussed Martin Odegaard’s goals, crediting the player’s late runs into the box and effectiveness in the final action.

When asked about Manchester City and whether they’ll feel the pressure, Arteta stated that it’s more about what the players are thinking and focusing on. He urged Arsenal to be ready to capitalise if Manchester City slips up, insisting that both teams will try to win every game.

Arteta pre-Newcastle press conference key points

• Gabriel’s fitness uncertain for the upcoming match against Newcastle United
• William Saliba still not ready for first-team activity due to injury
• Arsenal’s recent win against Chelsea highlighted determination and desire
• Arteta emphasises the need for Arsenal to be more ruthless in crucial moments
• Praises Newcastle United’s performance and standing in the league
• Discusses Sam Allardyce’s impact on English football
• Stresses the importance of adapting to Newcastle’s playing style to secure a win
• Encourages focusing on finding solutions despite defensive changes and injuries
• Credits Martin Odegaard’s goals to his late runs into the box and effectiveness
• Acknowledges the potential pressure on Manchester City in the title race
• Insists Arsenal should be ready to capitalise if Manchester City falters

Eddie Howe’s press conference

Newcastle United are preparing to host Arsenal on Sunday, aiming for their fifth consecutive home victory in the Premier League. With Arsenal currently 13 points above Newcastle in second place, the Magpies are eager to continue their impressive run and consolidate their third place position in the league.

Head coach Eddie Howe spoke about the fitness updates of key players during his pre-match media briefing. Sean Longstaff’s condition is improving, though he has yet to train. Allan Saint-Maximin has returned to training, and Howe will make a decision on whether to involve him against Arsenal.

As the season nears its end, Newcastle is targeting a top-four finish for the first time since the 2002/03 campaign under Sir Bobby Robson. Howe emphasised that nothing is done yet and that they are competing against elite teams that will fight until the end.

Key Points:

• Newcastle aiming for fifth consecutive home win in the Premier League
• Arsenal currently 13 points above Newcastle in second place
• Sean Longstaff’s fitness improving, yet to train
• Allan Saint-Maximin back in training
• Newcastle targeting top-four finish for the first time since 2002/03