Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed reporters following his team’s victory over Coventry City in the Premier League’s first match of the campaign.
The Spanish coach expressed satisfaction with his side’s display after three established players in his squad secured all three points.
Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka all found the net despite having made only their second Premier League start together since December 2024. While attention often falls on new arrivals for goals, this match demonstrated what the experienced core of the team can offer.
There was also positive news regarding Christos Tzolis. The Greece international appears to be a genuine talent, and Arteta offered details on the midfielder’s fitness situation after he sat out the encounter.
Below is the full transcript of the Arsenal manager’s press conference:
On whether this represents attacking the Premier League rather than defending the title:
The performance had much to admire. It was a positive outcome, but more significantly, the way the team began the match, controlling proceedings with clear understanding and fluency, was highly impressive. The opening stages can be problematic, particularly against a side that has had extensive preparation time and executes their gameplan effectively, yet I was highly impressed with what I witnessed.
On the experienced trio of Ben White, Martin Odegaard and Saka combining effectively:
They were absent last season. They barely featured at all, managing just two or three appearances together. That connection matters greatly to me, both the central players and those operating wider. Kai was particularly outstanding.
Individual quality made the difference, and that is something we have been demanding. At this level, players must be decisive, and they certainly delivered today.
On Kai, Bukayo and Martin scoring after their second Premier League start since December 2024:
It illustrates how rarely you have had them available. While transfer activity dominates discussion, having existing players fit must be fundamental to your plans.
Developing our current squad and strengthening their understanding is the priority because they possess significant quality. Regarding attacking contributions, several of these players were missing for extended periods last season. The team can still perform and win many matches without them, so having them available represents an additional advantage.
On whether he sensed a different atmosphere among the squad compared to last year when arriving as champions with all the associated pressure:
They keep asking me about this. They appear identical to me. What goes on inside each player, I cannot know. What I have emphasised is greater hunger and determination to improve, to be better and to earn the right to surpass everyone else, which is our objective.
On whether he believes they appeared too relaxed:
I am not entirely comfortable with that. They can express themselves freely. Relaxed? No, they need appropriate clarity. They understand how to perform and know their responsibilities. They appear highly unified and play with real intention, which appeals to me.
On Christos Tzolis making an impact and comparisons to Alexis Sanchez:
I appreciate that a player who joined us only weeks ago brings such energy whenever he receives the ball. He has earned that recognition. His recent performances have been outstanding.
His approach is exceptionally direct and penetrating throughout. He seeks to influence proceedings and possesses remarkable variety in his actions in the final third. The decisions he makes will determine his trajectory. Even the spaces available are often extremely tight. I am very pleased with him.
On the atmosphere in the stadium and whether the team worked on engaging the fans more effectively:
We will learn more when the score is level or when we are perhaps trailing. Today was the beginning of the match, and the two goals provided an excellent foundation for everyone to feel positive. However, we have learned from experience that a strong start genuinely assists the team.
In an atmosphere like tonight’s, it is genuinely enjoyable to observe and to play football.
On Bruno Guimaraes’ injury and suggestions he might miss six or seven weeks:
No, no, no. We do not anticipate that to be weeks at all. We will monitor his progress this week. He was reluctant to stop playing. He wanted to continue. This reveals more about his character, but I do not anticipate this being a significant problem.
On signing Ezri Konsa and whether having such a strong squad sends a warning to the rest of the Premier League:
No, because when I examine their squads, they possess extremely strong groups as well. Several are still considerably larger than ours. We simply aim to improve and do what we believe is correct for our situation.
Understanding the players already at our disposal, those who can provide us with an advantage and elevate our performance. Ezri certainly fits that description because our defensive options are extremely limited. That represented a significant gamble.
On whether the team still needs to sign a striker such as Julian Alvarez following this performance:
As I mentioned, I am very satisfied with our current squad. The primary focus is developing the players we already have because we already possess considerable quality.