In the Premier League's sixth round, Arsenal staged a 2-1 comeback victory over Leeds United at home. After the match, Arsenal manager Arteta attended the press conference to answer media questions, discussing the team's rebound after the loss to Brighton, the performances of Madueke and Guimaraes, Viktor Gyökeres' playing time, and new demands placed on Rice.

Reporter: The game against Leeds United last season was easier. How do you feel after this match?

Arteta: We knew from the start that this game would be very tough. We had just suffered a painful defeat, and then for three weeks, we were without 16 players. We carried that determination with us.

Today, we had two clear objectives. The first was to face the challenge, because the opponent was undefeated in the Premier League and in an excellent position, as I said in yesterday's press conference—they fully deserved it. The second was because we had to prove ourselves. Our identity was somewhat challenged in the previous match against Brighton, especially regarding how the whole team responded in difficult situations.

Although we started exceptionally well today and completely controlled the game, we didn't fully capitalize on the spaces, opportunities, and numerical advantages we created to better attack the penalty area and goal.

This kept the game uncertain. We knew the opponent didn't need many chances to create danger; every time they got the ball into the box, they were lethal. Playing at home, with the emotions of a loss, and the kickoff time, all adverse factors combined when we went 1-0 down, making the situation very dangerous. But we ultimately pulled through by rekindling our inner desire, showing our determination to win, and demonstrating the distinct personality and courage of this team.

Once we equalized, the team's morale completely changed, and the substitute finishers once again played a decisive role in helping us win the game. This is our true character. We know every week will be like this because I've watched many games over these three weeks, trying to understand the changes happening in this league, and every match is the same.

Reporter: Hello, Mikel. How pleased are you with Noni Madueke's performance? He hasn't played many times on the left wing for Arsenal, but today he looked very good and confident.

Arteta: Yes, I am genuinely happy for him because he deserved this opportunity and seized it firmly. I had made some decisions before when I wasn't satisfied with his performance or impact in games. He accepted those decisions and worked to improve his level. In the last ten days of training, he was the best player in the entire squad. This gave me no reason not to start him. As everyone could see today, whenever the ball was at his feet or around him, he always created significant danger.

Reporter: Hello, Mikel. As defending champions, after such a difficult comeback victory, will you emphasize this mental gain to the players, or will you focus more on the problems Leeds United caused you?

Arteta: You have to give your all every moment. The last time we wore this shirt, we lost something, and we must be clear about that. The line between extreme excellence, champion level, and utter mediocrity is very fine. If your desire to win isn't greater than your opponent's, if you can't mentally withstand certain specific situations, you will be punished. We all suffered in the last game, not enjoying a single moment.

But the key is that you must learn lessons. We did, we discussed it in depth, and you could feel everyone had this burning desire.

Reporter: Hello, Mikel. Regarding Bruno Guimaraes, is this the value of signing a player who is familiar with the Premier League, is 28 years old, and can come off the bench to immediately turn the game around?

Arteta: Yes, he has done it twice already, against Sunderland and today against Leeds United. These are precisely the top qualities required at this level of play to ensure continuous winning.

Reporter: What do you think about Viktor Gyökeres coming off the bench? He performed well during the international break with the Swedish national team and seems eager for more playing time. It must be difficult to balance everything, keep him happy, and give him time. How do you manage that?

Arteta: He will play, and he will get playing time. The best way is for them to show their quality when they step onto the field, that's all. They proved it with their national team. Mikel (Merino) scored two goals for his national team, giving the impression that he also deserves to play. But Martin (Ødegaard)'s performance was also impeccable. That's the reality. The best way to prove yourself is to deliver when you get the chance, so everyone will be happy.

Reporter: Mikel, still about Bruno Guimaraes. The club spent a lot of money to sign him. You just mentioned he wasn't at his best, but he delivered such a performance coming off the bench. Does this prove that spending a lot of money on such players is worthwhile?

Arteta: Yes, but he wasn't at this level in the previous game against Brighton. This is the standard Arsenal demands. Every week, every match, every minute, every attack and defense, you must maintain that level. He didn't do it against Brighton; he performed much better today, but he can still do even better than what he showed. This is what we must demand, and what I demand of myself. I will also set these standards for the players because only then can we raise the bar and become a better team.

Reporter: Hello, Mikel. This season, you've often talked about how Declan Rice can further improve his level after winning the championship. Judging by his passing in the final third, he seems to have done just that, with all three assists this season coming from open play. Is this a specific area you particularly wanted him to focus on improving?

Arteta: Yes. I went to him—it was a private conversation between us—but I told him: you are no longer just a lighthouse; you must become a more decisive figure. I can tell you the details at the end of the season, but he cannot just be a lighthouse; he needs to become something else, and he needs to prove it on the field.

Reporter: What has the past three weeks been like for you? Going into the international break with a painful loss, and having to wait so long to correct it, how did you cope?

Arteta: The first few days, even the whole week, felt terrible. Especially when you constantly reflect on what you did wrong in that game that led to watching a match that hurt my eyes. But despite the pain, you must try to learn from it. Otherwise, you start to blame others, and I completely abandoned that mindset. I first reflected on where I could have done better and what the team lacked. Of course, there were many objective factors; it was our fourth consecutive away game, and the schedule was extremely tight. Sometimes you face an opponent who performs better than you on the day, and they truly beat us in two key aspects. That's just how it is. You have to swallow it, keep it deep inside as motivation, and strive to learn lessons to make yourself stronger.

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