Mikel Arteta has sent a message to Liverpool after Arsenal secured a late win against Leicester City, keeping their title hopes alive.
The Gunners recently returned from a training camp in Dubai, a move that worked wonders for them last year, and many expected them to return in fine form. The Leicester game provided the perfect opportunity to show how they would adapt without a recognised striker leading the line.
As expected, they struggled initially, lacking a focal point in attack, and Raheem Sterling’s difficulties in front of goal did little to help their offensive efforts. The Foxes remained resolute, making life difficult for Arteta’s men.
However, Arsenal gradually gained momentum in the second half, and Mikel Merino emerged as the unexpected hero. Introduced from the bench, the Spaniard netted twice late in the game, securing a crucial victory for his side. It was a performance Merino will hardly forget, proving decisive in Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League title.
The result brings Arsenal within four points of Liverpool, although the Reds still have a game in hand. With the pressure mounting on Arne Slot’s side, Arsenal’s determination to push them all the way remains clear.
When asked if he had a message for Liverpool, Arteta, speaking to Sky Sports, responded:
“That we really want it. Regardless of what happens or the difficulties we’re going to face, that we’re going to give this a real go. The team wants it, we’ve had seven or eight months working on that. We’re not going to stop, let’s see how far we can go!”
Liverpool will be fully aware that Arsenal are not backing down in this title race. With recent signs of vulnerability creeping into their performances, the Gunners will continue to push, hoping to capitalise on any slip-ups from the Merseyside club.
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
Let’s be clear…there are no recent signs of vulnerability in Liverpool!
They play a 2nd string side who should have easily won against Plymouth. I think that says more about their luck with injuries than anything else .
Then plat a resurgent Everton in the last ever Derby game at Goodison. Last minute equaliser saved our season !
Other than that they’ve been winning consistently
Just poor journalism to sya its a wobble or vulnerability
If they lose or draw next 3 or 4 then let’s re visit
Just poor journalism to sya its a wobble or vulnerability
Then you go on to give two examples where they had a wobble
“Just poor journalism to sya its a wobble or vulnerability ”
Just woolly thinking to say it’s anything else.
They have to lose or draw the “next 3 or 4” – added to Plymouth and Everton, that’d make it 5 or 6 bad results in a row – before you call it a “wobble”?
Our forward line looks so lightweight. Merino is not the answer but it does help to prove we need a bit of muscle and a striker. Maybe try him up top but he will eventually struggle. Sterling is such a big let down. What does/did Arteta think he was getting. Hes is a spent flush. Trossard needs to be in his best position, on the left and we needed a striker up top. We look so lightweight now. I think it will be a case of one of Calafiori, Merino or another lump up top.
Liverpool are gone.
No not so fast, it’s not the first time of the season they’ve had a wobble and it won’t be the last.
Its not about a wobble, its about the content of the team. We are asking Sterling to do something he is not capable of. Its far too lightweight.
If we can continue winning our matches u ll b surprise wat would happen in d next three weeks bcos Liverpool would drop points.
My thoughts exactly! Those lot are as vulnerable as hell! Coupled with that they’ve got Villa,City and then Newcastle in their next three league games.
Let’s see if the big pretender enjoys been hunted, there’s no doubt Liverpool will be looking over their shoulders
Gunsmoke
I’m no expert but I wonder how the dynamics of maintaining the upper hand compare to the one doing the hunting. Unintentional complacency can set in so it’s not only Arsenal, but Liverpool who have to remain focused. The fact that Slot got a red card and the punch up against Everton happened shows what a fine line there is between serenely marching on and the beginning of a wobble. That said, I’d be surprised if Wolves get anything from today
It’s a delicate balance SueP,
But Arsenal has shown last season they are more than capable of putting a good run together by keeping the champions honest.
This one will come down to mental strength, if you ask me