Defiant Arsenal Ready to Battle On
Mikel Arteta has made it clear that Arsenal will not throw in the towel in their Premier League title pursuit, despite falling 11 points behind leaders Liverpool. The Gunners suffered a significant setback over the weekend, losing 1-0 to West Ham United at home, only for Liverpool to capitalize by defeating Manchester City the following day. While Arsenal have a game in hand over Liverpool, the gap between the two teams now seems insurmountable, given Liverpool’s near-perfect record this season. However, Arteta remains resolute. "Over my dead body," he declared when asked if he would give up on the title. "Mathematically, it’s possible. We have to play every game. Three days ago, we could have closed the gap and been just one and a half games away. The difficulty has increased, but if you want to win the Premier League, you have to do something special. This season, you have to achieve something that nobody else has done in the history of the Premier League."
The Uphill Battle Continues
As Arsenal prepare to face Nottingham Forest on Wednesday evening, the team is dealing with multiple challenges. Defender Myles Lewis-Skelly will miss the game due to a red card he received against West Ham, bringing the total number of red cards for the season to five, the highest in the league. Arteta acknowledged this as a significant issue but noted that it’s not just about discipline. "A lot of factors have contributed to that," he said, alluding to the different circumstances surrounding each red card. Arsenal has had two red cards issued for players kicking the ball away, which highlights the team’s struggles with maintaining composure under pressure. Arteta also reflected on the team’s resilience, saying, "If someone told you at the start of the season that you’d have five red cards and still be in contention, you might not have believed it. But that’s not our situation. We are still fighting."
Injuries and Make-Shift Adjustments
Injury issues have plagued Arsenal, forcing Arteta to make some unconventional decisions. Against West Ham, the manager fielded Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker, a role he is not accustomed to. Arteta praised Merino’s adaptability and willingness to step up, but the team’s lineup has been weakened by the absence of key players. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will continue to be sidelined, while Ethan Nwaneri, who suffered cramping issues over the weekend, should be available to play against Forest. Arteta remains optimistic about the team’s ability to overcome these obstacles. "It’s a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to show the depth and character of our squad," he said. "We have to be creative and find solutions."
Defending Odegaard’s Form
Despite the team’s struggles, Arteta has been a staunch defender of his captain, Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian midfielder has only two goals in the Premier League this season, a stark contrast to his eight goals last term. Odegaard suffered an ankle injury earlier in the season, but Arteta does not believe this is a significant factor in his current form. "We don’t know if it’s the injury," he explained. "He came back in such a strong way and performed at a very high level. Sustaining that over a period of time is what we demand from the players, especially the creative ones. It’s very difficult." Arteta commended Odegaard’s leadership and commitment, emphasizing that the midfielder’s drive and responsibility are invaluable. "Martin is trying more than anybody else. His attitude is remarkable, and that’s what I demand from all my players—continuously making things happen."
Looking Ahead to Forest
Arsenal’s focus now shifts to their upcoming match against Nottingham Forest, a team that has shown flashes of promise this season. The game will be crucial for the Gunners as they aim to keep their slim title hopes alive and maintain their position in the top four. Arteta emphasized the importance of the game and the need for a strong performance. "We have to approach the game with the same intensity and focus as always," he said. "We need to show that we are a team that can overcome adversity and keep pushing forward." The manager also highlighted the importance of maintaining discipline and composure, especially in light of the team’s red card issues. "We have to be smart and play within the rules," he added. "That’s going to be key in these crucial moments of the season."
The Battle for Europe
While the title race may seem out of reach, Arsenal still have a lot to play for. A top-four finish would secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League, a competition that Arteta and his team are eager to return to. The manager believes that the second half of the season presents an opportunity for the team to grow and solidify their status as one of the top clubs in England. "The most beautiful part of the season is yet to come," Arteta said, referring to the intense competition and high stakes of the remaining matches. "Players like Raheem Sterling have a big opportunity to step up and make a difference. We need everyone to be at their best if we are to achieve our goals." With a determined and resilient approach, Arsenal hopes to finish the season strong, regardless of the challenges they face.
