The Gooner Fanzine 
Mikel Arteta spoke after his Arsenal team thrashed Chelsea 4-0 in Orlando on Saturday.
Goals from Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Albert Sambi Lokonga sealed a comprehensive 4-0 victory.
The Gunners boss was asked about the ongoing growth of his team, backline options, and injuries
Read the full transcript below:
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 23, 2022
Arsenal supporters should be excited about this team…
Yes but it was a friendly match. As you could see there are a lot of positives to take from the game. The way we played, the intensity we showed, the way we were trying to show who we are as a team. But at the same time, it’s just a test match. Don’t get carried away. There are still a lot of things that we have to get better at, and do better. But I think it’s good to get some momentum, finish the tour in the right way, give some enjoyment to our fans and everybody that’s been contributing to make this tour happen. Now it’s time to go back to London, to focus and keep making improvements and steps forwards.
on the importance of getting business done early…
It’s ideal for any coach that you ask, the earlier you get the players, the better. Because you need to get them in the cohesion of the team, understanding each other, relaxed and comfortable socially around the team and the fact that he (Jesus) has been with us for a few weeks makes a huge difference.
on whether the result changes anything about the transfer strategy…
Nothing. Again, don’t get carried away. There were a lot of positives, there are a lot of things we can do much, much better than we have done today as well and we have to continue to improve as a team.
on his options in the team…
I focus on the players that I have here available. We know what we would like to do, is to get the best from the players that we have.
on the back four…
At the moment Tierney and Tomiyasu are not fit, we have other options, but I think it was good to try different things, to build some relationships in big matches, and I’m happy with the way they played.
on Zinchenko…
He was desperate to play and I knew that. It was a maximum 45 minutes but you could see straight away he was comfortable. He understands everything that I want, he understands the process and I thought he had a really good game.
on William Saliba...
I am really pleased to see the way he is playing, the way he has adapted to the team, the maturity that he's shown at 21-years-old, carry on doing it. We will keep developing him, he has a huge potential, he is already a top player and we have to make him even better.
on if he is ready...
He looked ready to me today.
on Fabio Vieira and Takehiro Tomiyasu's fitness...
Yeah, Tomi us really close to start doing some training sessions. Hopefully next week and Fabio probably a little bit longer. I think he needs another week or so before he starts with the team but he's been working hard and he's been really unlucky to start his Arsenal career in this way but again he's fitting in well.
on if Gabriel Jesus is OK...
Yeah he got a knock in the first half in his quad I think it was and it wasn't very comfortable to continue and onvioulsy we didn't take any risks today.
on the tour...
We had a great time. Thank you so much for everybody that participated in organising this tour. We've tried to make it as enjoyable and as productive as possible and in the sporting side the facilities were really good in both games that we played were really good as well, really competitive matches, great cup, great attendance so looking forward to getting back one day.
on the depth of our squad...
We are where we are. Obviously, at the moment we have injuries, you can see that we are still a little bit short in some positions for the way that we want to play but it is something that we are trying to address. We have increased the quality of the team for sure and the level of the squad is obviously something that we want to keep raising.
on if Gabriel Jesus can compete for the Golden Boot..
I have no clue, we are in pre-season. What I can guarantee you is that he is going to do everything that he can to be the best player that he can, that's it.
on signing American players...
We have already one that we just signed so it's a good start. Let's see how he adapts but it's a huge market, there are a lot of opportunities there and hopefully we can bring some more to make you happy.
