Mikel Arteta has said he was impressed by the level of his Arsenal side following the club’s 3-0 win over Manchester City in the Community Shield.
Arsenal sent out a statement with a comfortable win over the Cityzens in Cardiff on Sunday. Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard were all on target for an Arsenal side that started without several big names.
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were both among the substitutes, following late returns from World Cup duty. Reflecting on the win, Arteta told TNT Sports that he was impressed by an excellent early-season display from the champions.
“A really good performance so early in the season. To play at that level and to show the desire that we showed and their reaction.
“I was really impressed and I said to them that I really enjoyed watching them play.
“I’m a bit surprised because in pre-season, we had three different groups. Eight or nine arrived just five days ago to get tested, they trained two days and to play in that manner is extremely impressive.
“It tells you how much those players want it, the level of desire we have an the quality we have.”
Arteta gives update on absent Arsenal trio amid transfer talk
Arteta was asked about the absences of Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus from the squad, with the trio all subject of ongoing transfer speculation.
The Spaniard said their omission was due to registration rules only, and refused to comment on talk over moves away.
“It’s really sad not to have their availability. I’ve been fighting with the Premier League to extend and accommodate more players in the squad because they deserve to be in the squad, there’s no question.
“Ethan [Nwaneri] and Marli [Salmon] as well, who has had the whole pre-season with us. Hopefully we can change that rule so players can enjoy on the pitch and can be an option to play and contribute to the team going forward.”
Read – Arteta wants Nwaneri to stay if Arsenal can guarantee minutes
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