Arteta calls facing childhood friend Iraola at Anfield 'a blessing'

Mikel Arteta will walk out at Anfield this weekend to face someone who knew him long before either man became a Premier League manager. Arsenal travel to Liverpool with Arteta set to come up against Andoni Iraola, a childhood friend who grew up in the same neighbourhood and played alongside him before their careers diverged into management.

Liverpool have made a strong start to life under Iraola, who took charge at the beginning of the campaign after an impressive spell at Bournemouth. For Arteta, Sunday's fixture carries extra weight given the history the two share.

Arteta reflects on friendship with Iraola

Speaking to Arsenal Media, Arteta described the occasion as a privilege and reflected on the bond formed long before either man took charge of a top flight club.

“It's a privilege. Someone who has been your teammate, that you spent so many beautiful moments together when we were younger. To be facing each other, to be close, massive clubs in this country, in Europe, in a big match like this, it's a blessing.”

The two have known each other since childhood, having grown up together and played alongside one another before beginning separate journeys through the game. Both have since gone on to establish themselves among the Premier League's managerial ranks, with this weekend marking another meeting between them at the highest level.

Arsenal target long awaited Anfield victory

Arteta was also quick to acknowledge the threat Liverpool pose under their new manager, pointing to the depth of quality at the club and its managerial pedigree.

“I think all the top clubs are certainly title challengers, and it's so early in the season, when you look at the squad, the manager that they have and the history for sure, that is. We expect a big game on Sunday; we're looking forward to it for sure. It's been 14 years since we last won there, so it's time to do it.”

That wait stretches back well over a decade, a statistic that has followed Arsenal into every trip to Merseyside in recent seasons. Arteta's side head into the match defending the Premier League title they won at the Emirates last season, with the scale of the task at Anfield well understood by the manager and his squad.

Sunday's meeting will not only pit two of the division's leading sides against each other but will also bring together two men whose personal history stretches back long before either picked up a touchline role. Arsenal will be aiming to finally end their long run without a win at Anfield, while Iraola looks to continue his own promising start in charge of Liverpool.