Mikel Arteta sends defiant message to Arsenal fans after Tottenham defeat

Mikel Arteta struck a defiant tone despite Arsenal falling 1-0 to arch-rivals Tottenham in Hong Kong, the only defeat of their pre-season tour of Asia.

The Gunners boss admitted the result left a “bad taste”, but insisted the experience will prove valuable as his side ramps up preparations for the new Premier League season.

He said: “I'm very positive about everything I’ve seen in the last 10 days. It gives me a lot of encouragement.

“We are ahead of what I was expecting in many areas. Even though this result leaves a taste, I think it’s going to be a positive one. It’s a reminder of how fine the margins are between winning and losing, and we have to manage those better. But we go again.”

Arsenal return to London on Friday to round off pre-season with home friendlies against Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao before kicking off their league campaign away to Manchester United on August 17.

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The game in Hong Kong saw new striker Viktor Gyokeres make his debut as a late substitute, playing 15 quiet minutes. But Arteta is confident the Swedish forward will soon show his true quality.

“It was a short one, but at least that debut is out of the way now,” Arteta said. “Next time, against Villarreal at the Emirates, I’m sure it will be different.”

He also had praise for 20-year-old Portuguese defender Cristhian Mosquera, who impressed in his brief cameo. “I’m really happy to have them both here,” said Arteta. “They’re going to add a lot of value. You see the energy and quality they bring straight away.”

There was further good news on the injury front, with Arteta revealing that Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber – all absent in Hong Kong – are expected to be fit for the season opener.

“We’re in a good place,” he added. “Now we focus on finishing pre-season strong.”

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