Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he’s proud to be compared to former boss George Graham as his side gear up to face Atlético Madrid in the Champions League.
The Gunners, currently top of the Premier League and yet to concede in Europe this season, have drawn praise for their defensive solidity — a hallmark of Graham’s successful Arsenal teams in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
“I’m happy with that comparison,” Arteta said during his pre-match press conference. “We acknowledge the importance of defending well. It’s a big part of who we are right now, and the players have embraced that.”
Arsenal travel to the Wanda Metropolitano in commanding form, buoyed by an unbeaten European campaign and a strong domestic record. Arteta, however, warned against complacency: “Atlético are a tough side — very organised, experienced, and they’ll test our discipline.”
The tie promises a tactical battle between two of Europe’s most defensively astute teams, with Arsenal aiming to continue their run of clean sheets and maintain momentum on both fronts.
