Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal are facing ‘arguably the best team in England’ as the Gunners prepare to face Liverpool in the Premier League on Wednesday evening.
Arsenal will be looking to extend their winning run to six Premier League fixtures when the Reds arrive at the Emirates tomorrow, as the Gunners look to continue their push towards a top four finish.
Liverpool are unbeaten in the last four meetings between the sides and recorded a 2-0 win at the Emirates in the Carabao Cup semi-finals in January, whilst the Merseyside club are the form team in the Premier League at present after eight consecutive league wins.
Jurgen Klopp’s team can move within one point of league leaders Manchester City with a win in North London and Arteta is anticipating a tough test against ‘arguably the best team’ in the Premier League.
“We are facing arguably the best team in England and have to be at our best to beat them,” Arteta told his pre-match press conference.
“You face a team that dominates every single aspect of the game, so when that happens, you have to be at your very best.”
Arsenal have won nine of their last 11 league games and the club’s strong form has carried the Gunners into the Premier League’s top four.
Arteta’s side have emerged as favourites to secure Champions League qualification for the first time since 2016/17, though the Spaniard says his team have work to do to catch up to the Premier League’s best.
“There are better teams in the country because that’s what the league table shows. We haven’t done anything yet.”
Gareth Southgate will name his England squad for the March international break this week, with a number of Arsenal names in the frame for inclusion.
Ben White and Aaron Ramsdale are expected to be named in the squad after impressive debut seasons with Arsenal and Arteta was asked whether the former had developed into England’s best central defender.
“I don’t know. We are really happy with his performances and hopefully he can get rewarded.”
Ramsdale earned praise from Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers at the weekend, with the Foxes boss hailing the 23-year-old as England’s best goalkeeper.
Arteta was pleased that the shot-stopper’s performances have earned outside recognition and said Ramsdale has been ‘exceptional’ since his summer arrival from Sheffield United.
“Thanks to Brendan for thinking that way. Aaron has to take those words to give him confidence. I’ve always said he’s been exceptional since the day we signed him.”
