New Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes he's taken over "the biggest football club in England" in a statement that will shock Manchester United supporters.
That moniker has traditionally been applied to either United or Liverpool in English football, but Arteta made the claim ahead of his first home match in charge of the Gunners.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium today (Sunday) with the former Man City assistant — who played in the Gunners' midfield — looking for his first win after drawing his debut match at Bournemouth.
He laid out his blueprint in an interview with Sky Sports — where he also made the claim.
"We are the biggest football club in England, and we have to play a little bit with that arrogance, that belief," Arteta said.
"This stadium has to create fear again. I used to hate coming here as an opponent, and we need to use that power. The opponent must be uncomfortable playing here. We need to recover here.
"It was incredible to play here as an Arsenal player. It’s one of the most beautiful, exciting stadiums in the world. When this crowd gets going, and you feel them right behind the team, it’s an incredible place."
Arsenal take on Chelsea from 2pm this afternoon. Both teams will be gunning to pip Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side in the race for the top four, with Liverpool runaway leaders at the summit of the Premier League.
