Mikel Arteta credits Arsenal's 'character' built on last-gasp heroics ahead of PSG clash

On September 28th, The Gunners pulled off a remarkable comeback by scoring two goals in injury time to secure a thrilling 4-2 victory. This victory propelled them to third place in the English Premier League standings, just one point behind the league leaders, Liverpool.

Arsenal host French champions PSG in a Champions League league-phase match at the Emirates on Oct 1, seeking their first win in the competition this season after a goal-less draw against Atalanta last time out.

Arsenal manager Arteta was asked at his pre-match press conference about the importance of winning games from different positions – either by dominating games or with last-gasp victories.

“It shapes the character and the body of the team, that they have the certainty that they can win in any context and adapt to very different contexts during matches,” he said.

“The Champions League demands that, you can pretend to play against this kind of opposition and dominate for 95 minutes.

“But it does not happen at this level, so you have to be really good in other phases as well – to stay in the game, to be comfortable and still always have the belief and intention to win it.”

Arteta is expecting a tough match against the French league leaders, who will be without France forward Ousmane Dembele, after he was excluded from the squad that travelled to London.

It appears to be a disciplinary measure following a heated exchange with PSG boss Luis Enrique after the 3-1 win over Rennes on Sept 27, according to French sports daily L’Equipe.

The France winger has arguably been Les Parisiens best player this season, with four goals and four assists in six Ligue 1 matches this season.

The French club have several other players struggling to be fit to face Arsenal, including Nuno Mendes, who missed their win over Rennes because of illness.

Lucas Hernandez (knee), Presnel Kimpembe (Achilles) and Goncalo Ramos (ankle) are all out with long-term injuries.

Arteta, when asked about Dembele, said: “We’re going to prepare like we always do with every possibility and let’s see. They have many other options.”

He added: “They’re really tough. They are exceptional and they dominate every phase of play.

“They have a very clear intention of how they want to dominate the game through the ball and when they don’t have it, they want it straight back. They are really aggressive with it and they confront you.”

Arteta, who played for PSG as a young midfielder, said he was a “huge admirer” of Luis Enrique, whose team beat Girona 1-0 in their Champions League opener.

“An unbelievable personality, huge character, huge energy, always very supportive with young players,” said Arteta.

“What I love about him is wherever he’s been, as a player or a manager, his fingerprints are all over the place. You can sense it’s his team, the way his players behave, the way they want to attack and dominate games.

“The spirit, the energy they have, he has this unbelievable power with all the clubs he’s been at, with the Spain national team.”

Arsenal have concerns over fullback Ben White, who missed the win over Leicester, while Riccardo Calafiori is also a doubt.

“Those two players are in contention. We didn’t do any training session yesterday. (Calafiori) was a bit emotional after the game. Let’s see how he is today,” Arteta said. 

Martin Odegaard, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are all out through injury.

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber missed virtually the entirety of last season through injury and he is the latest player to criticise the packed fixture schedule, following similar comments by Rodri and Alisson Becker.

He said: “It’s a big topic in dressing rooms. I didn’t play last season, so I’m just enjoying playing now. I totally understand what they’re saying.

“Definitely (players are more at risk). I think it’s honestly a dangerous thing. Even last week we played (Manchester) City and City played two days later. That’s too much.” AFP,