Arteta’s Arsenal ready for United test as New Season dawns. Before Sunday’s compelling and high-stakes Premier League opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford, Mikel Arteta (Arsenal boss) showed some defiant optimism ahead of what he will be a match with plenty of intensity, and both nervous and exciting energy, taking plenty from his pre-match press conference, of which we’ve outlined the following key points:
Title Ambitions and Pressure
Arteta welcomed the expectation of expectation after three years of second-place finishes and said he viewed it as expectations in Arsenal’s progression. His motto for the season? “You keep digging, digging, digging, and one day the gold will be there.” He also highlighted how Arsenal have gained more points than any other club has gained in the last three seasons combined, which some analysts later contested. Nonetheless it has a clear emphasis on consistency.
Team News and New Signings
Viktor Gyokeres (£50M summer signing) is “fit and ready” despite limited pre-season integration. Arteta praised the striker’s adaptation, hinting he could start at Old Trafford.
Martin Zubimendi (long-targeted midfielder) is match-fit after a “great impact” in training.
Leandro Trossard returned to training and is available after injury.
NEW VIDEO: Man Utd vs Arsenal Starting XI
The Premier League is back and its Manchester United against Arsenal at Old Trafford. Yeah, some start to the season this. Sesko, Cunha, Mbeumo, Gyokeres, Zubimendi, Amorim, Arteta. New faces, new season and a big buzz.… pic.twitter.com/JRLks3hi6i
— United Peoples TV (@unitedpeoplestv) August 16, 2025
Academy Star Breakthrough
Fifteen-year-old midfielder Max Dowman, who dazzled in pre-season (20 goals, 10 assists for U18s), will be “in and around the first team.” Arteta stressed the need to “manage his development well,” but teammate Mikel Merino lauded the teenager’s “unbelievable talent” and attitude.
Captaincy Clarity
Arteta revealed Martin Ødegaard was re-elected captain via anonymous player vote “by a mile,” directly countering criticism from Arsenal legend Tony Adams. The manager called it “the clearest sign” of squad unity.
Tactical Evolution and Rival Threat
With six new signings (including Noni Madueke and Christian Norgaard), Arteta highlighted “versatility” in midfield and attack. He is downplaying the need for more signings unless departures occur. He warned that United, under Ruben Amorim’s first full season, are “strengthening” and will pose a tougher challenge than in 2024/25.
The Stakes
Arteta acknowledged the Premier League is “stronger than ever,” with more title contenders emerging. Yet his message was unequivocal: After refining the squad’s depth and mentality, Arsenal ready for a “no excuses season.” Victory at Old Trafford would signal they’re ready to finally strike gold.
Kickoff: Sunday, 16:30 BST | Old Trafford, Manchester.
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