Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has once again made it clear that the challenge of maintaining a lead in the Premier League is one that demands exceptional consistency. With Liverpool already nine points clear at the top, Arteta has admitted that staying in contention with the Reds will be no easy feat.
After a strong finish to last season, where the Gunners were only narrowly pipped by Manchester City for the title, Arteta’s side entered the 2024/25 campaign as one of the title favourites. However, despite a solid start, Arsenal find themselves trailing Liverpool by a significant margin, with six wins from their opening 12 games.
Arteta’s Title Challenge
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In his pre-match comments ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming fixture, Arteta acknowledged the difficulties in maintaining a title challenge over an entire season. “We’ve been there and to sustain it for 10 months is extremely difficult,” he said. “Suddenly when you think you have it, one day it collapses.” The Arsenal manager pointed out that factors such as injuries, fatigue, or critical decisions can cause a shift in momentum, and maintaining form is a constant battle throughout the long Premier League season.
Arteta’s reflections on the challenge of being at the top also show a more cautious side to his character. He added, “It can happen in any moment. We have to be ready for that.” Despite these concerns, Arteta expressed unwavering confidence in his team’s capabilities. “I really believe in my team, yes,” he affirmed, suggesting that Arsenal’s aspirations remain intact despite the formidable gap to Liverpool.
Liverpool’s Domination and Arsenal’s Response
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With Liverpool under Arne Slot now looking like serious contenders to maintain their strong start, Arsenal’s task of narrowing the gap is becoming more pressing. Arteta knows that Arsenal must improve and avoid the setbacks that have cost them in previous seasons. “What we can control is be at our very best,” he explained, underscoring the need for focus and consistency from his players.
Photo: IMAGO
As Arteta’s side faces West Ham United this weekend, they will be hoping for a crucial win to close the gap on Liverpool. However, Arteta’s focus is not just on the Reds; his comments regarding Manchester City’s struggles also reflect the broader nature of the Premier League competition.
Manchester City’s Decline: Arteta’s Thoughts
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City, the reigning Premier League champions, have experienced an unusually difficult run, failing to win in their last six matches across all competitions. This uncharacteristic dip has left them trailing Arsenal and Liverpool, and Arteta is acutely aware of the challenges that City are facing. “Everyone goes through tough times. For them, it’s very strange because they haven’t had one in the last nine years,” Arteta said, acknowledging the exceptional nature of City’s consistency under Pep Guardiola.
However, Arteta is not underestimating the importance of City’s previous dominance. “What I take away is what they’ve done over these nine years. That’s what people should talk about,” he said. Arteta highlighted the level of consistency required to achieve success in the Premier League, remarking that the high standards set by City are to be respected, despite their recent struggles.
Arsenal’s Path Ahead
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Arsenal will have a chance to reduce Liverpool’s lead to six points by securing a win over West Ham on Saturday night, a vital match that could provide a springboard for the Gunners to mount a renewed challenge. With City’s own trip to Anfield on the horizon, Arsenal fans will be keenly watching how the top-of-the-table clash unfolds. Should City slip up again, Arsenal could find themselves in a position to close the gap further, but Arteta knows that his side must perform consistently to keep pace with the Reds.