Mikel Arteta has reflected on his first 100 Premier League games in charge of Arsenal ahead of this weekend’s clash with Fulham.
Arsenal face Fulham in a London derby at the Emirates on Saturday evening, as the Gunners look to make it four wins from four and maintain their perfect start to the new season.
The form of Arteta’s side is in huge contrast to the same stage last season, when Arsenal were bottom of the Premier League without a point or goal scored.
Arteta has discussed the difference between his side’s start this season and believes Arsenal’s momentum and confidence is increasing with each result.
“The players that we have available now, and the players that we had available at that time,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference on the difference from last season’s start.
“We are in a different moment, a year has gone by. The same players that were playing a year ago, I can show some examples – especially with our development players – and where they are today is a completely different scenario. We’ve got good momentum, good energy around the place, and good confidence, so let’s keep going.”
This weekend’s clash will see Arteta celebrate a century of Premier League games as Arsenal manager. The Spaniard has overseen steady progress since taking the position in 2019 and outlined his ambition to keep the club moving forward.
“I just found out – time flies! It is such a privilege to be in this football club and reach that number, and hopefully we can extend that for a long period and bring joy and a lot of wins.”
The role is Arteta’s first in senior management and the Arsenal boss opened up on what he has learned across his first 100 games in charge.
“How difficult and how beautiful life is when you win or lose! Especially that. And then looking back, analysing the journey and how many things that have happened, the way that every decision counts. Consistency is so important and just stick to what you believe in because in the end things will happen.”
Arteta also revealed occasional doubts over the project during tough periods, but spoke on what he believes is important to continue the club’s upward momentum.
“We are human beings, we doubt. Especially when you lose football matches. With the environment turns around and you don’t find a real way to win matches, even though you deserve to, you have to find other ways to adapt. Sometimes you have to do that, but at the end you have to feel what you do because it’s the best way to transmit it, especially to your players and then to your supporters and everyone around the club, and that’s what we have tried to do at all times.”
