Eddie Howe used his Friday press conference to talk about his squad's test at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
On the Premier League clashes with the Gunners…
Last season It was certainly memorable, especially the ending of the 3-3 game. Reflecting on all the games we’ve had with Arsenal they’ve always been tight even if they’ve not tended to go our way.
I have huge respect for them as a football club, but hopefully this one will swing our way.
There’s not just one player that you have to look out for, when you play a team like Arsenal it’s a collective with huge quality in all positions. Our focus has to be on our collective and how we can stop their team functioning while obviously causing them a threat the other way going forwards.
On whether it’s a good time to face Arsenal…
I don’t think you can predict good times and bad times to play teams, our only focus is on our preparations. Our training has been very good and I just hope we continue our momentum from the Manchester City game.
You need to start the game well and stay in the game, it doesn’t matter what run of form you’re in - you can’t give yourself too much to do.
On training during the international break…
We always enjoy training and working with our players, that’s the time you can make a difference tactically and technically with your squad.
We enjoy the international break and did some new things to challenge the players mentally, even though we only had a smaller number of players than normal, 12 or 13, fingers crossed that the other players who have been away come back fit and it it looks like they have.
On Tyrone Mings and Charlie Daniels signing new contracts this week…
It’s always good form our perspective to see players commit themselves to the future of the football club. The cost of signing players is so extreme nowadays that you have to keep and protect the players you have.
Tyrone suffered a serious injury when he came to us but has recovered, improved and has played well in a slightly different position.
Charlie doesn’t ever surprise me as he’s a stand out trainer and his attitude is second to none, that’s why he’s made huge strides in his career. He’s been a very solid and consistent performer for us and he deserves his new contract.
