Arteta & Mertesacker Ahead Of Albion

Mikel Arteta and Per Mertesacker have given interviews ahead of the final Premier League game of 2014-15.

Speaking to the Official Site Arteta said that he felt Arsenal had made massive strides forward and given those strides he feels the club’s potential is now limitless as long as we keep on going next season.

With a top four place secured, potentially a top three with a point tomorrow and the FA Cup to fight for again, our club skipper explained.

‘When I look back at the season, I think we have played some fantastic football. I really liked our first half at home against Liverpool, as well as our win at Manchester City. Our performance at home to Manchester United was one of high quality too. How we lost, I don`t know. But even after disappointments, the next result has generally been good. We responded to the Manchester United defeat by playing really well against Borussia Dortmund.’

Arteta went on to say it’s not just progress on the pitch this season, there has been progress off it as well, not least for him the attitude in the camp where there has been rotation and nobody has reacted wrongly, even though they were disappointed to miss out.

‘I`m pleased with the way every single player in the squad – and this has happened to all of us – has reacted to being rotated at some point in the season. Everyone has responded by thinking that they need to improve, that they need to do more. There`s no disappointment – you don`t hear anyone talking badly about the manager`s decision. To have a whole squad of that calibre respond in the same way tells me a lot about the quality of the group.’

What’s important now though is finishing this season strongly and then carrying that momentum through to 2015-16 and looking to build on those improvements so we can make a sustained challenge for silverware.

‘We are in a really strong position – I think we are getting better in all areas. That evolution must continue because the potential of this club is limitless. Let`s take advantage of that.’

Moving on to Per, the main focus of his short interview was the fans and his desire to thank them with two more good performances and results.

‘At times it was a difficult season for everyone, but the support throughout was absolutely fantastic and great and gave us a lift at some stages. We are absolutely delighted with our fans and appreciate their support very much. We want to finish strong, with three points to seal third spot and to have a good feeling for the FA Cup final. We also want to give the fans a good feeling for next season. It would be great if we can achieve that, so we will do everything to give ourselves a good level of confidence.’