Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta believes the competitive nature of the Premier League is ‘unprecedented’ at the moment.
Tottenham is at the top of the table after ten matches this season, but just four points separate the current top five.
Ahead of the match against Newcastle, Arteta insists the competitive level of the Premier League is not comparable to five years ago.
“What has happened in the last five years is unprecedented,” Arteta said.
“It never happened with the amount of points and level of the teams. Now it’s the amount of teams with that level that is increasing and increasing.
“That’s why comparing to the past in this league is a waste of time. It’s very different to what it used to be, and that puts the demands of what we do every single day in a different scope.”
Martin Odegaard came off the bench and scored a goal in a 3-1 loss at West Ham in the Carabao Cup in midweek. Arsenal’s captain had missed their last game due to a hip problem.
“We have tried to offload him a little bit because he had a little issue that he was grumbling with,” Arteta explained.
“He felt much better in the last few days. and we gave a few minutes against West Ham which was good to see. and his contribution was really good – if he’s fine he will be ready.”
Arteta: Ben White progressed in the right way
Arsenal defender Ben White is set to make his 100th appearance for the Gunners on Saturday.
Arteta said that he is delighted with Ben White’s development and hinted at a possible new deal for him.
“We are always trying to keep the squad in a healthy position in any way, and the club and Edu especially are working on that.
“I think he’s progressed in the right way in the last few years. He had a little bit of a difficult start. which is normal because it was a big jump with different expectations.
“He started to play as well in certain different positions. but I think he’s shown a lot of determination and courage to overcome that.
“I think he has a big personality, I think he copes with pressure really well. he has a lot of quality, he gives us different positions and he’s been a key player for us.
“He’s a really good character in his own way and the way he is. the way he presents himself, but he loves football. The way he trains every day, the way he applies himself is top and we need players like him.”
