Mikel Arteta comments on Manchester City’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal: ‘the Premier League restarts’
MANCHESTER, England — Mikel Arteta indicated that “the Premier League starts anew” following Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, while maintaining that the Gunners still hold onto their belief in winning the title.
Erling Haaland’s decisive goal in the 65th minute secured a vital 2-1 victory for City in a competitive encounter at Etihad Stadium, bringing them within three points of Arsenal, who are currently at the top, with a game in hand.
This upcoming match is scheduled for Wednesday against Burnley, and a win would allow City to take the lead based on either goals scored or goal difference for the first time since the season’s opening weekend.
Kai Havertz equalized after Rayan Cherki’s impressive opener in the 16th minute and had opportunities to score again at 1-1 and in stoppage time to earn a point, as Arsenal adhered to Arteta’s pre-match declaration of pursuing a victory.
However, the loss means they risk extending their 22-year title drought into another season, having finished as runners-up in the last three seasons.
“The Premier League starts again, almost,” Arteta remarked. “They have a game in hand, we are three points ahead, five matches remaining, so it’s on.”
“Everything is still up for grabs. We understand how much we’ve achieved, and we will not relent; we will push forward, that is certain.”
“If they needed more conviction today, I believe they are now more assured. They were discussing it in the dressing room.”
When asked if he needed to motivate a squad whose mentality has been frequently scrutinized, Arteta responded: “If I have to select the players to secure the Premier League with five matches left and be in the Champions League final, I think I should be at home.”
“So that’s not the situation. It’s unnecessary. It’s never been required, even during tough times. We will [continue] forward, that is for sure.”
“Naturally, they were quite disappointed not to achieve a result from the game in the way it unfolded. That was the sentiment; you could immediately sense that they were discussing it, and they said, ‘Alright, we missed an opportunity today, but we have the greatest one now in the next five matches, so let’s seize it.’
– Cherki, Haaland give Man City advantage over Arsenal in title race
