Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has outlined his team's hopes for the coming week.

The Gunners are set to take on West Ham United on Boxing Day as the Premier League resumes.

As they are already out of the Carabao Cup, Arsenal did not have a game in midweek, giving them additional days to prepare for the resumption of competitive club football after the World Cup.

Speaking to reporters this week, Arteta stated, per the club website: “It's a very special day. Boxing Day is one of the most beautiful days in English football. It's such a family and historic day to play football, and we are really keen to play again.

“I know David [Moyes] very well because I worked with him for seven years. I'm sure that he has worked the team hard and has put big demands on them. They've been terrific since he joined the club and I always think it's a really difficult match-up.

He added on being top of the table: “We have to take it game by game. Football changes so quickly and what is very good can be very different in a week's time. But we know our reality. We know what we are capable of. We deserve the position that we're in right now. Now, we have to do the same for the next 24 matches and that's a big challenge considering the level in this league.

“We have had some very important additions since last season. We have had another year together. It was my first full preseason since I've been in charge here because of the two years of COVID. So that was really helpful. But it's been game-changing to have people back in our stadium. Our people have been incredibly supportive and connected to our team. That has put our team in a different dimension."