'A roller-coaster is coming'

Mikel Arteta wants improvements when the domestic action resumes

Since the last international break we have won four and drawn one of our five matches in all competitions, conceding just one goal in the process. But after toiling to a goalless draw with Brighton on Sunday, the manager saw plenty of room for improvement.

 

We'll return to Premier League action after the latest international haitus, in two weeks' time at home to Crystal Palace, and Arteta says there is lots to work on before then.

 

"We have to improve individually and collectively and prepare well because a roller-coaster is coming with the amount of games," he said after the draw at Brighton.

 

"I'm never happy with a point, but I don't think we deserved anything more than that.

 

"We got a point because we defended really well in the last 15 or 20 metres of the pitch, and for the rest I think it was a game that we have to improve and do better in many other areas.

 

"We felt uncomfortable to break the press and they had sequences of control in the game. And it was a difficult game. But in the end we showed some resilience and we have to be happy with the block of games we have played and the results that we got, but I think we have to improve."

 

The boss was also optimistic when giving an update on Bukayo Saka, who hobbled off late on.

 

"He got knocked, so they will check him. I don't know how it is yet but he was able to walk so I don't think it's that bad."