Was that a day to focus on the performance rather than the result?
Probably because the result doesn’t reflect the performance. But it’s a good test good learning for us. The fact is that the games are decided in the boxes and they had one shot or two and scored two goals and we had 19 or 20 shots and only two on target. It’s not enough. Overall, everything else I think really, really positive. That final thing that you need wasn’t good enough.
How bad is Reiss’ injury and will it force you to speed up your plans in the transfer market?
We don’t know the extent of the injury. The fact that he had to leave the pitch straight away is not good news, especially with someone like Reiss who is really powerful and fast. Let’s see what will happen. We know what we have to do and that doesn’t change the plans.
Has Emile Smith Rowe got any chance of making West Ham?
Let’s see. Emile the last few days hasn’t been able to train but hopefully he can start next week. He’s been out for a while now and he needs some time to get back to speed, but we really need him. We’re gonna welcome him with both arms because he’s a really important player for us and we need him fit on the pitch.
READ MORE: Arsenal player ratings vs Juventus as Cozier-Duberry and Nwaneri impress, Vieira bright
Have Tomiyasu and Zinchenko got a chance of being fit for Boxing Day?
Alex is progressing well. Tomi is already running on the pitch. Hopefully we’ll get those. The international players are joining as well this week and then we’ll all be watching William Saliba as well tomorrow to see if he can win the World Cup.
Eddie Nketiah has had a few weeks to prepare for his opportunity with Jesus’ injury. How is he? Is he ready?
Eddie is always ready. He knows that it opens up a big opportunity for him right now and he needs to grab it, but the way that he trains every day and the mentality he has, he gives us no reason to believe that he won’t be super ready to perform.
You’ve been in dressing rooms fighting for the title. How does that compare to this team now?
I think we’re in a really good place. Everybody is in a high emotional state because we are where we want to be which is the top of the league. I think we have deserved to be in the position that we’re in with the way we have played and approached games. This window has been to reinforce the position that we’re in. The good news is the amount of things we can still to do to improve to be a better team.
Is the hardest thing now to progress from where you were?
No, I think it’s been really positive. We had the players that we had. They trained exceptionally well. Better than I’ve probably ever seen them train. They competed exceptionally well and we just have to continue. It’s a long marathon and we have to go game by game.
How have Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli come back and when are you thinking of phasing them back in?
They come back straight away into the rhythm, shape and mood of the team. We are waiting for them and they are desperate to be back as well. I’ve spoken to both of them, Gabi was here today (with) a big smile, big energy and ready to go again. It’s going to be a big boost for the team.
READ NEXT:
Reiss Nelson injury in Arsenal vs Juventus may force Mikel Arteta into transfer window move
Ben White decision means Edu could be in line to seal Arsenal's first January transfer
Arsenal half-time player ratings vs Juventus as Gabriel is solid but Reiss Nelson suffers blow
William Saliba's World Cup final hope suffers blow as France get boost for Lionel Messi clash
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
