SPORTS
Arsenal boss Arteta praises Postecoglou ahead of Tottenham’s visit
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praised opposite number, Ange Postecoglou’s impact at Tottenham ahead of the north London derby on Sunday.
Postecoglou’s free-scoring Spurs have netted 13 times in five Premier League matches to make an unbeaten start to the top-flight campaign.
Arteta admitted he is a fan of the Australian, who has positively changed the atmosphere at Spurs in spite of the summer departure of star striker Harry Kane.
“They have a new challenge, a new opportunity, they have a new manager who is doing really well and he’s managed to change the vibe around the club.
“I really like him. I have players who had him before and they always speak really highly of him, which is not a coincidence because straight away he’s fitting in the right way.
“They have many qualities (in spite of Kane’s departure) so it’s a big change but they have adapted well to it,”he said.
Goalkeeper David Raya has started ahead of Aaron Ramsdale in Arsenal’s last two games, against Everton and then PSV in the Champions League.
Arteta insisted he understands Ramsdale’s frustration of not starting and highlighted the competition for places which forced a change at number one.
“He’s been very supportive and good around the place and that’s what I expect from every single player, because when you’re on the field there is someone else who’s not so it works both ways,” he said.
Arteta lauded Captain Martin Odegaard after the midfielder signed a new long-term deal at the Emirates.
He said: “He’s got a really good balance (as a captain) and you notice him around the building because he always does the right things, he’s funny and likeable, committed and I’m really happy to have him as a captain.”