The manager of Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, said following their 6-0 Premier League victory over Sheffield United on Monday that the team’s midseason additions have given the team a new dimension and are pushing their teammates to new heights.
In Bramall Lane, Arsenal’s free-scoring performance matched their greatest Premier League away win, with Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, who joined from West Ham United and Chelsea in the summer, among the scorers.
With 61 points, two points behind leaders Liverpool, Arsenal had won their previous seven league games to take third place.
Asked if the players signed in the summer had helped Arsenal hit top gear at the right time, Arteta told reporters: “Yes for sure.
“Obviously picking the right players that could bring something that we didn’t have to the squad, and they’re certainly doing that and improving every single player, and the mechanisms and culture around the team.
“They are doing that but there’s still the most important part of the season ahead and we know that that’s the case.”
The Spanish manager also provided an injury update on Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who did not play the full 90 minutes.
“(Saka) was feeling a bit sick and as well we have Fabio (Vieira) who we have to give minutes,” Arteta said.
“It was great opportunity (for us) and then we had a little issue with Gabi Martinelli as well, he had a slight cut on his foot and we have to wait and see how he is.”
Arteta added that Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu is “very close” to returning from a calf injury.
Arsenal next host Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.
