Roberto De Zerbi: 'I have big respect for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta'

Arteta has transformed the Gunners into genuine title contenders since his arrival in 2019, and after narrowly missing out on top spot last season, the North Londoners are now part of a three-horse title race along with Liverpool and reigning champions Manchester City this term.

Arsenal have excelled since the turn of the year, as they have won nine and drawn one of their last 10 Premier League games, dropping their only two points of 2024 in a goalless stalemate with Man City before returning to winning ways on Wednesday with a 2-0 success over Luton Town.

With eight games remaining, Arteta's side sit second in the table, one point above Man City in third and two points behind leaders Liverpool.

De Zerbi, whose Brighton side sit ninth in the table, labelled Arsenal as the «best team in the Premier League» and Arteta as one of the world's best managers prior to Brighton's 2-0 defeat at Arsenal in the reverse fixture in December, and the Italian has since reiterated his complementary views of the Spaniard.

Asked at a press conference on Friday if he still believes Arsenal are the best team in the top flight, De Zerbi said: «Yes… they are one of the best, but different style to Liverpool.

»Mikel Arteta is a great manager; I have big respect for his job and his style is clear," De Zerbi added. «They always play with big intensity and with courage.

»I think they will be aggressive, and they have a clear style with and without the ball. I think it will be a good game to watch."

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