MANCHESTER, England — Following Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, Mikel Arteta has indicated that “the Premier League starts anew,” but reaffirmed that the Gunners still hold belief in their title aspirations.
Erling Haaland’s goal in the 65th minute secured a vital 2-1 victory for City in a tense match at the Etihad Stadium, pulling them within three points of league leaders Arsenal, although City has a game in hand.
That additional match will be played on Wednesday against Burnley, and if City triumph, they would reclaim the top spot on either goal difference or goals scored for the first time since the season’s opening weekend.
Kai Havertz equalized after Rayan Cherki’s stunning opener in the 16th minute and had opportunities to score again at 1-1, as well as in stoppage time, adhering to Arteta’s pre-match commitment that the team would aim for victory.
However, this defeat puts Arsenal at risk of extending their 22-year title drought, having been runners-up in the last three seasons.
“It’s almost like the Premier League is starting over,” Arteta remarked. “They have a game in hand. We lead by three points, and there are five games left, so it’s game on.”
“There’s still everything to play for. We’ve experienced its significance, and we’re committed to pressing forward, without a doubt.”
“If they needed further motivation today, I believe they found it. They were discussing it in the locker room.”
When asked if he needed to uplift a squad whose mentality has faced scrutiny, Arteta replied, “If I have to motivate my players with five games remaining and a Champions League final on the horizon, maybe I should be at home.”
“That’s not the case; it’s unrequired, even in tough times. We will push forward, without question.”
“It’s clear they were very disappointed by the result, particularly considering how it happened. You could sense it immediately as they talked about it, acknowledging, ‘We let an opportunity slip, but we have the greatest one ahead of us in these next five matches, so let’s seize it.'”
– Cherki, Haaland give Man City advantage over Arsenal in title race