Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued a fiery rallying cry ahead of the Gunners’ midweek Premier League clash against Brentford, in comments shared via the club’s media. Arsenal will be playing at home in a crucial midweek kickoff at the Emirates Stadium, where they aim to secure maximum points and strengthen their position at the top of the league standings.
Softfootball earlier reported that Arteta provided updates on the recovery timelines of key players Kai Havertz and William Saliba, as the squad pushes to maintain momentum and continue their strong domestic form. With the title race intensifying, Arsenal’s depth and resilience remain central themes going into this decisive fixture.
In statement shared via the team’s official X handle, Arteta stressed the importance of atmosphere and collective intensity inside the stadium, he said;
That’s an opportunity tomorrow at 7.30pm, everybody, 7.30pm kick-off to be at the Emirates, bouncing and putting energy to win the game. That’s the opportunity that we have tomorrow, 7.30pm. Like animals, everybody at the Emirates to go again and beat Brentford; [it’s] vital, massive.
He followed by emphasising that Arsenal’s motivation comes from professionalism and preparation rather than external factors, saying;
Our motivation comes from preparation and how we prepare for every game to try to be better than the opposition. Where we are in the league and what we are doing, I don’t think we need any more motivation than that.
Regarding rotation and rest, Arteta explained that every decision is tailored to the needs of each player, he stated;
We try to manage every case, every individual in relation to how they feel in the context of the matches, adjust with the only purpose to have the best options on the best pitch and to be better than the opponent, that’s it.
Arteta also reflected on the performances of Declan Rice, admitting the midfielder has grown exactly as the club hoped he would, he note;
I think he’s very close to what we believed that he could bring to the club, to the team and the way he could grow, personally as well. I think he fully deserves it, I think he’s been incredibly consistent throughout the last two years, last season again. In big matches, in big moments, he’s stepping up, which is a massive thing. You want to fulfil that role at a big club, and I’m delighted that he got it.
He then spoke on the surprising evolution of Mikel Merino, praising his hunger for development, he said;
As a striker, certainly not. But that’s the thing as well, that you learn when you sign a player. I knew that he could offer much more than what he had, and especially after I met him for the first time, because a player that has that amount of curiosity and the amount of questions that he’s asked, how willing he is to learn constantly, the way he loves his profession and football, it’s difficult to put limits to that because when someone wants to grow every single day, is that determined, is that hungry to win and evolve and to be part of something, that’s very powerful and Mikel certainly has that.
On the topic of goals from open play, the manager dismissed the idea that set pieces should be undervalued, he noted;
I don’t know a team in the Premier League that doesn’t like to score from set pieces. We just conceded a goal against Chelsea on a set piece. They had seven corners, we had eight. I think we should all be set-piece teams because we all score and concede from set pieces, unfortunately.
Arteta also urged supporters to bring even more positivity and energy into the stadium tomorrow night, saying;
You can always be more [positive], especially when you play a different type of game. That’s where you have to lift the standards. The team, the fans and ourselves as well, with the way we’re going to play tomorrow, to lift everybody and make sure that we produce the same energy, atmosphere and positivity around the place.
As Arsenal prepare for another demanding showdown, Arteta’s message is simple: unity, intensity and focus will be vital under the lights at the Emirates. With the league table tight and every point crucial, the Gunners know that maintaining their current rhythm is essential in the hunt for silverware.
The manager’s words set a clear tone ahead of Brentford’s visit is one of urgency, belief, and unwavering determination as Arsenal look to send another strong statement in their title pursuit.
