Read what Pochettino has to say ahead of clash with ‘a very good’ Arsenal side after the international break

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Mauricio Pochettino has previewed Chelsea’s upcoming match with Arsenal in the Premier League, hailing Mikel Arteta’s men as a ‘very good team’.

The Gunners are currently joint-top of the Premier League, behind Tottenham on goal difference after an impressive 1-0 win against Manchester City last weekend.

Chelsea, on their part, have witnessed an upturn in form after their early season struggles, and currently sit on 11th on the table, six points behind fourth place, following their last two wins.

While speaking to club media about the match, and what it means for Chelsea, Poch said he believes it would be a good test of the progress his side have made so far.

Asked what excites him most about facing Arsenal, Pochettino told the club’s website: “Well I think we’re going to play against a very good team, a team that in the last few years they are building a very good squad.

“They have a very good coach, I know Mikel [Arteta] very well, he’s a very good friend.

“They are doing a fantastic job and it’s a team that is ready now to compete for big things, that is why the challenge is really exciting to compete with them.

“We are in a different process, in a different time, but I think it’s important to see how our players are going to compete against a team that is more mature.”

He continued: “I think the team is doing really well, we don’t concede too many goals, we start to score goals. In the midfield area we start to connect and create a good link.”