Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reiterated the friendly rivalry with Chelsea counterpart Mauricio Pochettino ahead of Tuesday’s English Premier League fixture in London.

Arsenal currently leads the 2023-24 EPL points table after 23 wins, five draws and five defeats. Chelsea are in ninth position after 13 wins, eight draws and 10 losses.

“I have huge admiration for Mauricio because I’ve known him since 23 years ago and I really wish him all the best,” said Arteta.

“He’s an incredible manager, he’s a huge leader and he will inspire the club to get what they want to get – that’s for sure.”

Pochettino coached Tottenham Hotspur in England and Paris Saint-Germain in France before joining Chelsea in May 2023.

“Chelsea have made huge improvements. I think they deserve to be in a much higher position in the league, when you look at what they’ve done and what they’ve produced in games,” added Arteta.

“I think what Mauricio is doing is really impressive, so I’m sure that he’s going to get them there.”

Whether Chelsea forward Cole Palmer will be available for this week’s fixture against Arsenal remains in the balance. Palmer has been sidelined by illness recently.

“We have no control over their players’ availability. We can only control ours. Whoever they put out there, when you look at the squad they have, the quality they have, it’s great,” concluded Arteta.

“I think they’re doing very, very well. I think they’re doing much better than people talk and it will be a tough match for sure.”