‘A real testament to perseverance, patience and clarity’ – Russell Martin praises Arteta and Arsenal ahead of Saturday clash | OneFootball

Southampton boss Russell Martin praised Mikel Arteta ahead of the game against Arsenal on Saturday and says the Gunners are a “testament to perseverance, patience and clarity.”

Martin will take his struggling Southampton side to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday still looking for a first Premier League win of the campaign after gaining promotion from the Championship last season.

And the Saints boss says he and his club can take inspiration from what Arteta has done at Arsenal.

He said: “What Mikel and his coaching staff have done with that team is incredible – building the identity and feeling of the club – but they had some bumps in the road to get there.

“They are a real testament to perseverance, patience and clarity and what those can bring you. It is a really good example for us.”

But while Martin is under no illusions of the size of the task, he backed his team to cause problems for Arsenal.

“We have an idea of how we can try and hurt Arsenal, as always,” he said.

“We want to go there and try and be the team that we want to be, but there are moments where we are going to have to dig in and defend properly and be resilient. We have to find some joy in the tough moments.”

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