Mikel Arteta has warned his Arsenal side they must beat Hull City on Saturday to maintain their momentum heading into the international break. The Gunners host the Tigers at the Emirates Stadium in a 3pm GMT kick-off, looking to build on their narrow 1-0 win over the same opponents just days ago.
Arteta's pre-match press conference focused on the need for a strong performance to avoid a repeat of the flat display before the last break. "We want to attack the game tomorrow, right from the off," the Arsenal manager said. "We know the momentum we have right now, and we need to increase it, especially going into the international break, because we know what is coming after." Arsenal's recent form, with four wins and a draw from their last five league games, has propelled them to the top of the league table.
Team news and injury updates
He delivered a significant update on England forward Bukayo Saka, confirming a longer-than-expected layoff. "After the international break, he's going to start hitting the pitch, doing more activities and seeing how he feels," Arteta said. "But unfortunately, he's going to be out for a while." There was better news on defender Ezri Konsa, who was substituted as a precaution in midweek and is now fit to face Hull.
The Arsenal boss also took time to praise the work of Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic, whose promoted side sit 11th in the Premier League with 11 points from nine games. Arteta noted their strong performances in difficult fixtures, a run that includes recent draws with Ipswich Town and Brentford.
Context for Hull City
For Hull, the trip to North London is a swift reunion after Martin Odegaard's 72nd-minute goal settled the contest between the sides on 7 November. That result left City 13 points adrift of the league leaders. Their immediate focus after the international break will be a tough home fixture against third-placed Brighton on 22 November.
Arteta emphasised that his team's defensive solidity, built over 11 consecutive games in London, would be key. He also discussed the ongoing dialogue with the French national team regarding William Saliba's involvement, stating the club would respect any decision made by coach Zinedine Zidane. The final whistle on Saturday will signal the start of the break, with Arsenal determined to enter it on the back of a victory at the Emirates.
First reported at bbc.com
