Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta says his side are in a privileged position as they continue to compete on all four fronts this season.
The Gunners cruised through to the fifth round of the FA Cup at the weekend, dispatching League One Wigan with ease, and allowing the head coach to rotate his personnel at the same time.
Now, the Premier League leaders’ attention switches back to top-flight action, as they travel to bottom-placed Wolves on Wednesday night.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta said: “Very little time to reset because we play a game tomorrow and then on Sunday again and then we continue to play.
“But it was really good because it means we are in a really good competition in a really strong position.
“It was good because I liked a lot what the players delivered. Some players in the end had many minutes and that teaches you the way we attack the game, it was very impressive.
“The position we are in is a privilege and we take it and because we have earned it. For so long, seven-and-a-half months is a long time to every single day do the right things and perform at the level we are performing.
“We need to embrace that. Tomorrow we know we are going to play a really difficult match, our recent past with them showed just how tough it was to win the three points.
“I know Rob [Edwards, Wolves manager] really well and it is going to be a tough test.”
Saka hailed ahead of new contract
Arteta also took the time to talk about Bukayo Saka, with the Arsenal forward set to sign a new contract until 2031.
Reports claim the Gunners talisman will earn £300,000-a-week, making him the club’s highest-paid player.
Against Wigan, the England international was deployed as a No.10, rather than on the right wing, his traditional position.
He linked up well with Eberechi Eze – who registered two assists – and as a result, fans have called for him to remain there between now and the end of the season.
Arteta added: “Some circumstances can upset some players as well, sometimes it forces you to do certain things but Mikel [Merino] adapted incredibly well to the nine position because we missed Kai [Havertz] and Gabi [Jesus] at the time and now we have an issue with midfielders.
“Players are stepping in and Bukayo is one we need to consider for the future.
“It’s really good especially how players respond to different tactical roles in the manner they are doing.
“I think he does (like playing as a No.10) and everything that brings a challenge to him. He needs to prove something I think, it does something to him and it is positive.”
Following Arsenal’s trip to Wolves on Wednesday, they will head back to North London ahead of a massive game against rivals Tottenham on Sunday.
The Lilywhites have new management in Igor Tudor, who is looking to repair the damage done by Thomas Frank, with Spurs currently sitting 16th in the table.
