Manager Mikel Arteta has urged his Arsenal players to “love” the noise and pressure that comes with competing in the Premier League and Champions League finals. Live on Sky Sports, the team believes defeating Fulham will take them “very close” to winning their first top-flight title in 22 years.
The Gunners could move six points clear of second-placed Manchester City on Saturday Night Football, but Pep Guardiola’s side have two games in hand, including a game against Everton on Monday night, also live on Sky.
At one stage in the Premier League season, Arsenal held a nine-point lead, but a slump in form in April meant City were effectively back in a close game.
Asked by Sky Sports how he would like his players to behave in these crucial weeks, Arteta told Sky Sports: “I tell them, I love it,” with many claiming Arsenal are “bottled” into competing for the Premier League title again after finishing second in the league for the third consecutive year.
“If you want to win the Premier League and you want to win the Champions League, what happens? You lose the game and they destroy you. That’s it.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says his players are hungry for victory ahead of the final four games in the Premier League title race.
“Do you want to be there? I love being there. Love it when you win. You’ll have some games where you lose or lose the ball when you don’t play your best. Love it. You get better.”
“There’s no other way. If you want to be at the top, there are people waiting for you. That’s normal. Of course.”
“And there’s only one winner. What about the rest? Are they not good enough? Look, if anyone believes that, something is wrong.”
How does Arteta deal with the noise?
Arteta was also asked how he was dealing with the stress of competing for the Premier League title.
The Arsenal manager also stressed that he chooses to only listen to criticism from those who want what’s best for the club, and that any other opinion has no value.
“I’ve never read so much in my (playing) career, especially the opinions of people who didn’t want what’s best for us,” Arteta said.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Paul Merson says a “nervous” Arsenal will be under close watch as their bid for the Premier League title continues.
“I’m really curious. When someone wants what’s best for me and has an opinion, I open myself up and be ruthless. There’s no pain and I get a lot.”
“But you really have to feel that the person wants what’s best for us, the team and the club. If it’s genuine, that’s great.”
“But I don’t think it’s worth your time if someone is trying to hurt you for no purpose.”
“If we beat Fulham, we’ll be pretty close.”
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Jamie Carragher believes Fulham have the ability to be an obstacle to Arsenal’s title bid.
The race for the Premier League title is extremely close and will be decided on goal difference if Arsenal and City win their remaining games this season.
But Arteta is said to be placing particular emphasis on Saturday’s game against Fulham, believing a win could take him “very close” to the trophy.
Saturday, May 2nd, 5pm
5:30pm kickoff
“We had five games left against Newcastle and that was the first leg,” Arteta said. “Here we go, Game 2. If we win that, we start to really get close to it and that’s what drives us.
“This is our own race. It’s a race of five races. The first race is over, and then it’s time for the second race. Just imagine that moment and you know what that means. If you win one more race, you’re in that race.”
Watch Arsenal vs Fulham live this weekend on Sky Sports’ Saturday Night Football from 5pm to 5.30pm kick-off.
