Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have been handed a ‘very difficult’ test against PSV Eindhoven in the last 16 of the Champions League.
The Gunners won six of their eight league phase matches to cruise through to the knockout stage of Europe’s premier competition in third place.
Boasting the second-best defensive record ahead of the round of 16, the north Londoners are considered among the frontrunners to the win the tournament for what would be the first time in the club’s history.
However, the bookmakers currently rank Premier League leaders Liverpool and La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona above Arsenal in the battle for this year’s title.
This morning the eyes of the world were focussed on Nyon, Switzerland, where Arteta and Co were paired with Eredivisie champions PSV in what promises to be an intriguing battle for a quarter-final spot.
Arsenal came away unbeaten from their two group-stage clashes with PSV last season, running out 4-0 victors at the Emirates before being held to a 1-1 in Eindhoven.
‘Well we played against them and they are a really good team, we know that,’ Arteta told reporters when asked for his reaction to facing PSV, who beat Juventus in a thrilling two-legged play-off to advance.
‘We have experienced it and it will be very difficult, like any other Champions League result that we could have got or any team.
‘We know we we are facing when we are at this stage.
‘Every team is really, really good and once the time comes we will be ready for it.’
First, though, Arsenal’s play host to West Ham at the Emirates, where victory would see Arteta’s men close to the gap on Liverpool to five points.
Mikel Merino came on to rescue the Gunners against Premier League strugglers Leicester last time out and Arteta’s men are on the hunt for a fourth straight win this weekend.
‘No real news, to be fair,’ Arteta said when asked for an update on Arsenal’s injury concerns, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu all sidelined.
‘The ones that are long-term remain unavailable and the rest, no good news.’
Ben White has been out with a knee injury since November but could be in line to make his return at the Emirates.
‘He is ready to play. Whether he will start or not is a decision we will make tomorrow,’ Arteta explained.
‘But he is certainly available now to be a part of the group.’
Though the Hammers have won just one in seven in all competitions, Arteta is anticipating a ‘tough’ test against Graham Potter’s side.
‘It’s going to be a tough one tomorrow against West Ham and if we do that, obviously, we will be looking at that game [Manchester City v Liverpool] on Sunday,’ the Spaniard went on.
‘But there is still lots and lots to play and you can see how difficult it is for everybody to win football matches so we really need to be there.’
Asked whether he will be watching Liverpool’s trip to the Etihad, Arteta responded: ‘I’m glued to tomorrow’s game. That’s what I’m glued to and that’s where my full focus is.
‘Relaxed? No. Especially when you are playing for these teams you obviously cannot relax.
‘I relax watching games that do not interfere with our ability to win big trophies.’
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