Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has attracted criticism from some supporters and rival fans after making a disputed claim during his first press conference of the new season.
The Gunners kick off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Arteta once again aiming to deliver the club’s first league title since 2004.
Arsenal have invested heavily this summer, bringing in Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, and striker Viktor Gyökeres. Sporting director Andrea Berta has led the recruitment drive, aiming to give Arteta the tools to end a run of three successive second-place finishes.
Reflecting on Arsenal’s progress under his tenure, Arteta said: “Yeah, you keep digging, digging, digging and you have to be digging because one day the gold is going to be there. That’s all the time. That’s how I’ve been taught, that’s how I’ve been educated and that’s it.
“For three seasons we’ve had more points than any other team in this league, which is incredible. That’s how you have all the consistency. Now we have to do it in a season to have one more point or the same amount of points and a better goal difference, than any other team. That’s the objective.”
However, Arteta’s claim about having “more points than any other team” over the past three seasons has been challenged. Statistics show Manchester City top the three-year table with 251 points, ahead of Arsenal on 247, and Liverpool on 233.
The comment drew sharp responses online, with fans criticising the Arsenal manager. Despite the criticism, Arteta is eager to get the new season underway after what he described as a “really productive” pre-season.
“I’m super excited, I can’t wait. We’ve made such an evolution in the squad and we’re ready to go. The mood of the place, the energy around it, the enthusiasm from the boys and the staff from day one… now we’re going to do better, keep improving, and win. That’s what drives my energy and that’s why I’m so excited.”
Arsenal will hope to begin their campaign strongly against a Manchester United side under Ruben Amorim, who is entering his first full season in charge.