Mikel Arteta believes his Arsenal side should have two Premier League titles to their name given the standards they have achieved in recent seasons. The reality that they are empty-handed has given the Gunners boss confidence that his team can take Liverpool.
Arteta's Arsenal had competed with Manchester City at the top for the previous two seasons, collecting 84 and 89 points, but had to settle for the runners-up medal on both occasions.
City are out of the picture this season, but Liverpool go into a crucial weekend at the top of the Premier League with a six-point lead and a game in hand. Arsenal travel to Brighton on Saturday, before Liverpool host Manchester United a day later – both matches are live on Sky Sports.
Asked by Sky Sports' Natalie Gedra about how to block out the noise suggesting Arsenal are too far away from the top this season, Arteta replied: “Winning and performing as we are today, regardless of what happens with the team and focusing at the top.” the things we can control every day – and pay attention to.
“Because what can Liverpool do? We were in that position. Two years ago we had 50 points in the first leg and then failed to win the league. It can happen to any team, it's so tough.”
“We are only half way and already so much talk about the title race that we have spent weeks? It's nonsense.
“Because there are a lot of games to play and in this competition it could be one, two, three [results] and everything has changed. We have to be ready.”
When asked what Arteta has learned from the past two seasons, he replied: “That you can always do better and always improve. With those numbers you normally win and we should have two Premier Leagues.”
“The reality is that's not the case, so there's more motivation, more eagerness and more enthusiasm to say, can we still look at our team and say we can get better? My answer is yes in every department, so let's go for it. “
Arteta: Nwaneri wants to play the leading role
Whether Arsenal sign a striker between now and the end of the January transfer window could be crucial to the Gunners' hopes of reaching the top of the Premier League by the end of May.
The north Londoners' need for extra firepower has been further increased by a long-term injury to Bukayo Saka, whose hamstring injury before Christmas will rule him out for more than two months.
“It's normal for this to happen,” Arteta said of the ongoing questions surrounding the transfer window at this time of year.
“There is an opportunity to improve the squad, to sign players who you think can have an impact. We are always open to that.”
“But that's one part. The most important thing is: how can we get more out of the team and the individuals and focus on that?”
One figure stepping into the breach in Saka's absence is Ethan Nwaneri, with the 17-year-old becoming Arsenal's third youngest starter in Premier League history when he started the 3-1 comeback win over Brentford on New Year's Day.
The teenager started in Saka's right-wing position and played a big role in Arsenal's third goal. Arteta believes Nwaneri has the personality to play regularly for his team.
“The most important thing is don't look at his birthday,” Arteta said. “That is very important, because when you look at his age, there are always limitations. And that is not fair to the player.”
“It's what we see every day: how he trains and how he prepares, the way the teammates look at him and how much they trust him. When a player is like that, the quality he has, the understanding he has and the personality he has to play, he needs a chance and he deserves it.
“Off the field he is super modest, very polite and quiet. On the field? Complete transformation. 'Give me the ball, I want to be the protagonist, I want to make things happen'. He is really courageous.”
Watch Brighton vs Arsenal live on Sky Sports Premier League on Saturday Night Football from 5pm; starting at 5:30 PM
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