Mikel Arteta (foto: Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta urges his side to push for greater consistency as Arsenal chase down league leaders Liverpool in a tight title race.
Mikel Arteta has called on his Arsenal squad to find that extra edge in their pursuit of Premier League leaders Liverpool. After two consecutive seasons finishing as runners-up to Manchester City, the Gunners are six points behind Liverpool, who still have a game in hand, as they approach the halfway point of the campaign.
Speaking ahead of their trip to face Brighton on Saturday, Arteta acknowledged the fine margins that separate title contenders from champions, saying: “We have to show the same level of consistency and a bit more. Last year, we were the best team in the league, broke various records, and still didn’t win a major trophy, so something is missing. At the end, we’re so close, and we just have to flip that coin to the other side to make it happen.”
The race to catch Liverpool
Arsenal’s title bid has been hindered by key injuries and inconsistent results. Their recent stumble in October and early November allowed Liverpool, under the guidance of Arne Slot, to open up a lead. Arteta emphasized the importance of focusing on what they can control: “It’s going to come down to small details. That’s only going to happen if we do what we have to do and what we can control. The rest is out of our hands.”
The Gunners are facing further challenges with the absence of Bukayo Saka, who is sidelined until March due to a hamstring injury sustained against Crystal Palace. Arteta admitted that filling the void left by the England international will require squad rotation: “There’s not one player that’s going to play nine games in a row in that position, it’s impossible. We need more threat, more players fit, and more rotation in that unit.”
Transfer window plans uncertain
As the January transfer window approaches, Arteta remained non-committal about Arsenal’s potential moves in the market. While he acknowledged the club’s ability to strengthen the squad, he stressed that his focus remains on the current group of players: “When something is in the market that we can afford and believe is going to have a real impact on the team, we have to be open to that possibility. But at the moment, the focus is on what we have.”
Arsenal’s clash against Brighton is a crucial opportunity to keep the pressure on Liverpool as they seek their first league title since 2004.