Mikel Arteta has his sights firmly set on one goal as he prepares his Arsenal side for a crucial clash against Manchester United: lifting the Premier League trophy.
Expressing his ambition, Arteta stated, “My brain always takes me to the place where we are lifting the Premier League.” With Arsenal currently leading the table by a narrow margin, the prospect of ending their title drought since 2004 looms tantalizingly close.
Despite the pressure of the title race, Arteta remains composed, emphasizing the need for focus and determination. “We have to focus and do what we have to do to be in the best possible situation,” he affirmed.
The Gunners’ path to glory includes a showdown with Manchester United at Old Trafford followed by a final fixture against Everton. However, the outcome of City’s match against Fulham on Saturday could influence Arsenal’s position at kick-off.
Reflecting on the challenge posed by Manchester City’s dominance, Arteta expressed his desire to disrupt their reign. “We want to change that,” he declared, highlighting Arsenal’s ambition to challenge and surpass City’s trophy-laden recent history.
Arteta’s optimism is tempered by concerns over injuries to key players Takehiro Tomiyasu and Bukayo Saka, whose fitness will be assessed closer to the match.
Meanwhile, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola remains wary of Fulham’s threat, dismissing suggestions that the Cottagers’ motivation may be diminished. Guardiola emphasized that Fulham, despite their mid-table position, will be fully committed to securing a victory.
Regarding a video showing some Fulham players flying a kite during training, both Guardiola and Arteta downplayed its significance, emphasizing the importance of team bonding and unity in achieving success on the pitch.