"I'm impressed. " Mikel Arteta admits he was impressed with two Chelsea stars following their performance against his side.

 The Arsenal boss has issued a glowing verdict on Enzo Maresca and the quality of players since his era began at Chelsea. 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he has been “really impressed” by the start Enzo Maresca has made to his reign at Chelsea. Speaking in his press conference, Arteta expressed admiration for the way Maresca has held firmly to his beliefs:

"Really impressed about what he’s done. Really impressed with what they’ve done over a year. With Mauricio [Pochettino] last season, I think they were extraordinary. You could see the squad and the quality they have. The amount of players that they have.”

“Enzo has given his touch. You can see clearly what he wants to do. I think he’s been really brave from day one to consistently follow what he wanted to do. I know how he thinks. I know a lot of people that knows him well. I’m very happy with him that he’s making a lot of progress there.”

It is interesting to note that Maresca and Arteta had spells as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City. The former spent a year as the Spaniard’s right-hand man during the 2022/23 season before taking the Leicester job.