Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stressed the importance of maintaining focus and composure as the Premier League title race intensifies, following a 1-1 draw with Brentford on Thursday. The result saw Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table reduced to just three points, after Manchester City secured a late victory over Liverpool on Sunday and then defeated Fulham on Wednesday.
Arteta acknowledged the challenge of navigating a demanding schedule and the pressure that comes with being at the summit of the league. “That’s what we have to do,” he said. “I mean we are going to be willing and preparing to win every single match and the only thing that we can do is focus on that and raise the levels collectively and individually to be better than the opponent every week. It’s just the things that we have to do, that’s the most critical thing.”
The Gunners’ recent form has been inconsistent, failing to win in four of their last six Premier League games (2W-3D-1L), raising questions about their ability to sustain a title challenge. Arteta dismissed concerns about playing after Manchester City impacting his team’s mindset. “I don’t think so, I think we played well after them a few times this season and we have won games.”
Thursday’s draw at Brentford highlighted a pattern for Arsenal this season. According to Arteta, of the 17 Premier League games in which Arsenal have scored first, this was only the second time they have failed to secure a victory, the other being a loss to Manchester United in January. This suggests a vulnerability in closing out matches when leading.
Midfielder Declan Rice echoed Arteta’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for resilience and a clear focus amidst the external noise surrounding the title race. “This represents a rollercoaster of a season,” Rice said. “You can’t be naive to think this is going to be easy. We are playing against the best teams week in, week out. We have to keep pushing and believing in ourselves, controlling the controllables. We have to block out the outside noise. We have done that really well. People are going to talk up the title race and Arsenal but we have a really calm group.”
Arsenal’s title bid faces a significant test on April 18, with a trip to Manchester City still looming. Arteta, who took over as Arsenal manager in 2019, has overseen a marked improvement in the team’s performance, but is yet to deliver a Premier League title. The club has finished in second place in three successive seasons, each campaign offering valuable lessons, according to Arteta.
The Gunners are next in action against Newcastle United on February 24, a match that will be closely scrutinized as the title race continues to unfold.
