Mikel Arteta is hoping that his Arsenal team will be able to handle the pressure as they enter the crucial final stages of their title charge
Mikel Arteta thinks that his team must accept and handle the pressure as they pursue the Premier League title. Arsenal is set to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. Currently, Arsenal is leading the league by eight points ahead of Manchester City, who have one game in hand and will face Southampton on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta believes that it is crucial for Arsenal to enjoy and use the pressure of their position as they try to secure the Premier League title and hold off Manchester City, who are looking to win their fifth title in six seasons.
“We do enjoy it, we have to enjoy it,” Arteta told reporters at his pre-match news conference. “We really need to embrace the moment and go for it.
“The team is full of enthusiasm and positivity, and we know that we have a big challenge but also a big opportunity to go to Anfield and do something we haven’t done for many years, and that is what is driving the team.”
Arsenal are ‘full of positivity’
Arsenal’s upcoming match against Liverpool at Anfield holds a daunting challenge for the Gunners as they have struggled to secure a win at the venue in recent years. Arsenal’s last victory at Anfield dates back to the 2012-13 season. Back then, they won 2-0 with goals from Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla. A game in which Arteta played in midfield for Arsenal.
Arteta does not feel his team should fear going to Anfield. He added: “We’ve been in a few grounds that we haven’t won at in many years, and we’ve managed to do that. We’re capable of doing it.
“We’ll need to be better, certainly than in the second half of last year. First of all, it’s a different group coming from a different position. What we need to have is courage. On Sunday, we’ll try to be that team.”
Liverpool are currently struggling to replicate their previous form. They were eliminated from all cup competitions and currently sitting in eighth place in the league table. The team is fighting hard to secure a place in European competition for next season.
When asked if he was surprised by the Reds’ disappointing campaign, Arteta replied: “It’s more admiration. Because it shows the difficulty of being at the top and transforming a football club.
“It shows how hard it is to maintain that. We’ve all had difficult moments, but what they’ve done at the club is remarkable.”
Arteta also revealed that Bukayo Saka is now fit to start in their upcoming match against Liverpool.
