Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta has nowhere to hide as Viktor Gyokeres sends message after injury

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal got off to a winning start in the Champions League on Tuesday night and they will be back in domestic action with a massive game on Sunday

Arsenal came through their first Champions League game unscathed, but Athletic Club provided a good workout for Mikel Arteta’s charges as they get ready to face Manchester City on Sunday. City have also had less time to prepare – something which Arsenal may be able to use to their advantage.

Liverpool are still the team to beat in the Premier League, with maximum points from their four matches. Arne Slot’s team also got off to a winning start in Europe on Wednesday, with Virgil van Dijk heading home a late winner against Atletico Madrid.

Victory at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday wouldn’t just keep Arsenal within touching distance of the reigning champions. It would also allow them to move six points clear of Pep Guardiola’s City, who have already lost twice in the league this term.

The performances of substitutes on Tuesday may well give Arteta a selection headache. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both netted after coming off the bench at San Mames, and both will be pushing to feature from the start on Sunday.

There’s plenty to think about both domestically and on the continent as last season’s Premier League runners-up prepare to return to action during this busy period. Here are Mirror Football‘s latest lines from North London.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta and Eberechi Eze moment outlines Arsenal problem that needs fixing quickREAD MORE: ‘I played for Pep Guardiola and Arsene Wenger but one manager transformed English football more’

Lescott makes Arsenal title claim

Arsenal have strengthened their squad significantly over the summer, and the decision to splash the cash could help them overcome their biggest obstacle to the title. A thin squad arguably proved their undoing last term, with two-time Premier League champion Joleon Lescott outlining where they lost out to Liverpool last season and Manchester City the year before.

“Probably this season, they’ll be closer because of their squad,” Lescott said on In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet. “I think it was their squad [that stopped them from winning the league before].

“I don’t think anyone can guarantee their best XI are always going to be available. But I do think that their squad is better placed now to cope with injuries and suspensions and all that.”

That verdict leaves Arteta with no excuse to turn to should the Gunners come up short yet again this season, with silverware a necessity for the Spaniard.

Arteta eyes £32.5m target in prize money boost

Arsenal’s win in Bilbao isn’t just good news for their chances of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League. They have also added £1.8m to their coffers, and can do the same with every win in the competition.

With £1.8m per win and a sliding scale of payouts based on finishing position, there’s a chance for Arsenal to scoop £32.5m in total. That’s what they could earn if they top the league phase table with eight wins from eight, but there’s plenty of money at stake even if they finish lower down in the standings.

There are millions more at stake for progress in the knockout rounds, with Arsenal looking to improve on last season’s semi-final run. However, a trophy at the end of it all would surely trump any amount of money.

Gyokeres’ message after injury scare

Viktor Gyokeres appears to be feeling few ill effects from the head injury he suffered against Athletic Club. The Swede needed treatment and bandaging but was cleared to continue, playing 65 minutes at San Mames.

Mikel Arteta indicated he believed the striker would be fit to feature against Manchester City on Sunday, while Gyokeres himself was simply focused on the result in Bilbao. “Great to be back in @ChampionsLeague with a win,” he wrote on social media.

Gyokeres might not have scored in the opener, but he showed his European pedigree with a hat-trick against Manchester City last season. If he can add to that against the same opponents this weekend it could be good news for Arsenal.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.