Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has challenged his players to finally put an end to the club’s long-standing New Year disappointment as they continue their push for a first Premier League title in over 20 years.
The Gunners sit four points clear of Manchester City at the halfway stage of the season and remain strong favourites to lift a 14th English league title.
However, history has not been kind to Arsenal in similar situations. On five occasions over the past 23 years, the North London side finished the calendar year at the top of the table but failed to go on and win the title.
The most recent example came three seasons ago, when Arsenal eventually ended the campaign five points behind Pep Guardiola’s City.
Speaking on Friday ahead of Saturday’s away clash with Bournemouth, Arteta admitted he was unaware of the troubling statistic but was quick to dismiss it.
“Let’s break it,” the Spaniard said confidently.
Arteta stressed that his squad is fully motivated to be crowned champions for the first time since their famous “Invincibles” triumph in 2004, having finished second in the league for three consecutive seasons.
“That desire is something they show every single day in training and in every match,” he explained. “You can see the hunger, the energy, and how much they want it. That’s exactly what we need.
“There are still five months to go. We have to take it day by day, enjoy the process, and keep pushing.”
The Arsenal boss revealed that the squad is in high spirits following Tuesday’s emphatic 4-1 victory over third-placed Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium. Their confidence was further boosted after title rivals Manchester City were held to a goalless draw by Sunderland two days later.
“It was a very good performance against a top opponent, and to win the way we did was great,” Arteta added. “Now the focus is Bournemouth. We know how difficult that game will be, and everyone has to be fully switched on.”
Despite being pleased with Arsenal’s current position, Arteta insisted there is still room for improvement.
“It can always be better,” he said. “There are things we need to improve on. The only thing that matters is the next game, every opponent makes it difficult.”
Arsenal have also had to contend with several injury setbacks this season. While Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Jesus have returned to action, the club could again be without midfielder Declan Rice for the Bournemouth trip.
The England international missed the Villa match due to a knee issue.
“We have another training session today,” Arteta said. “We’ll see how he feels. That game was just too early for him.”
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