Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta makes reluctant claim about bitter rivals Tottenham
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta conceded arch-rivals Tottenham are contenders for this season’s Premier League title.
Leaders Spurs are unbeaten after ten games and hold a two-point advantage over the Gunners ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.
With a victory over in-form Newcastle on Saturday night, Arteta’s team may move up to the top place, ahead of Ange Postecoglou’s team, who will have to wait until Monday to play Chelsea.
“They are there right now and they have merit to be where they are, so yes,” the Spaniard said in response to the question of whether he sees Postecoglou’s pacesetters as real championship challengers.
Prior to the journey to St. James’ Park, Arteta gave a status report on the health of Gabriel Jesus and Emile Smith Rowe, who had both recently sustained injuries.
“Nothing has changed, he will be out for weeks,” said the Spaniard when quizzed on Smith Rowe’s availability after the academy graduate picked up a knee injury in the midweek Carabao Cup defeat at West Ham.
Gabriel Jesus, a player for Brazil, will also be unable to go to Newcastle due to a hamstring injury he sustained against Sevilla last month.
Arteta was unable to give any guarantees when asked if the striker will be back before the international break.
“I cannot guarantee that,” he continued. It will take weeks, I said.
Arsenal travels to the northeast expecting a fracas as Eddie Howe’s Magpies attempt to extend their league winning streak to six games.
