Arsenal's Arteta, Chelsea's Alonso take childhood friendship to Premier League stage

LONDON: Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta is eagerly anticipating the chance to face fellow Spaniard Xabi Alonso for the first time in the Premier League when the defending champions host Chelsea on Sunday. Both teams kicked off the season on a high note, securing six points from their opening matches. Arteta and Alonso, both 44, have a deep-rooted childhood friendship in Spain's Basque Country, which has continued through their careers in playing and coaching.

Their paths crossed previously in a friendly match in 2024, when Alonso managed Bayer Leverkusen, but Sunday's Premier League encounter will mark their first meeting in England's top tier. Arteta expressed his delight at this occasion, stating that facing a long-time friend at such a high level is a remarkable experience. Despite Chelsea's impressive offensive play early in the season, with players like Morgan Rodgers, Joao Pedro, and Cole Palmer, Arteta emphasized the importance of controlling the game's flow and managing momentum, particularly considering the early goals in their previous matches.

The Spaniard defended Arsenal's transfer strategy, noting that their recent signing, Christos Tzolis, was the only new forward addition, and that the squad remains strong with players like Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, and Bukayo Saka. Arteta dismissed criticism about the team's attacking capabilities, highlighting the squad's overall strength despite the departures of key players.