Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken to the media ahead of tomorrow's Champions League clash with Olympiacos. 'He's been phenomenal': Arteta glad to see Saliba commit long-term future to Arsenal
Both teams scored 96th-minute winners at the weekend, as Arsenal bypassed Newcastle United and Olympiacos stole a win at Levadiakos.
Arsenal have won each of their last 13 group stage/league phase home games in Europe, including 10 in a row without conceding a single goal. The Gunners will be confident heading into the clash, which is sure to be intense from the very start.
Saliba's new contract is well deserved
Arteta first spoke on William Saliba's new contract which was announced on Tuesday morning, much to the delight of Arsenal supporters after he was linked to Real Madrid.
"Big news, very happy. Congratulations to Will, he thoroughly deserves his new contract. He has been phenomenal for the last few years and I am very happy to keep the spine of the team with us."
Arsenal have more pull than Real Madrid?
Saliba was reportedly wanted by a number of sides, including Real Madrid, and Arteta revealed that the fact he stayed shows the power of Arsenal as they work towards a trophy.
"More than the length of the contract, we love the player. You can understand that some players have a dream. Some of them want to play in the Premier League, some of them want to play for Arsenal and others want to play in a different country for a different club, and you have to respect that.
"We have been really lucky but it also shows the power of this football club and how much people love it and want to come here. Even when players have the opportunity to go somewhere else, they want to come here."
Pressure to win the Champions League?
The Spanish head coach was then asked if he feels there is greater pressure on his side in this year's Champions League after several years of planning and development.
"We have the same ambition which is to go game by game and try and be better than the opponent which is very difficult in this competition. We want to win as many games as we can.
"Tomorrow is going to be a really difficult one. We know how important the home form is going to be to reach where we want to arrive and tomorrow we have the opportunity to start well."
Arsenal will use Newcastle win as momentum
After their late win against The Magpies, Arteta admitted that the whole squad is pumped and are ready to go once more on Wednesday night in what is looking to be a fine season for The Gunners.
"There has been great energy. The moment you went in the dressing room everyone was celebrating because of the manner and the way it happened but you have to move on immediately and we know we have a very tough match against Olympiacos and we are ready for it."
Odegaard is ready to start
Finally, the Arsenal boss was questioned on captain Martin Odegaard and if he is fit to start now after featuring on Sunday afternoon.
"He was very good (against Newcastle). He came on and immediately you could see the desire and responsibility to try and change the game. His decision-making and the way he approaches every ball - he made a difference to help us win the game."