I know Mikel Arteta well and pressure he's under – this is his target at Arsenal

Mikel Arteta faces a challenging year as he sets Arsenal up for another fight for a Premier League trophy with Manchester City chasing

Former Arsenal forward Paul Dickov believes this is a "crucial season" for Mikel Arteta as the Gunners push to avoid a fourth consecutive runners-up finish.

Across the last three seasons combined, Arsenal have missed out on three straight Premier League titles by a total of 17 points. They came closest in 2023/24, falling just two points short of Manchester City.

Arteta knows what it takes to win the Premier League, having claimed two titles during his time working under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Now, the 43-year-old must figure out how to bring that success to Arsenal.

He has already delivered silverware in North London, winning the FA Cup in 2020. But having built a new team with fresh tactics and a modern identity, another trophy would undoubtedly mean far more to Arteta.

Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League with a four-point gap to City, and they are one of just three unbeaten sides left in the Champions League. But after repeatedly falling just short, Dickov questioned whether the squad may begin to doubt themselves.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Best Betting Bonuses, he said: "It's a difficult one because I know Mikel very well, but he'll know himself there is pressure.

"I don’t necessarily think he needs to win the Premier League or Champions League, but I do think he’ll need to do well in one or both of them, and then maybe pick up a domestic trophy.

"I think they've been good for the last couple of seasons without actually winning anything. I think it's imperative for Mikel that they do actually work hard and produce something this season, because if they don't win something this year after that level of investment, it’ll be tough.

"The players have got to show how good they are and it’s not an option not to win anything. I think it's a pretty crucial season for Arsenal."

One thing that could hamper Arsenal’s chances is injuries. Several key players are currently sidelined, including Gabriel, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus.

It is far from the list Arteta would have wanted heading into a busy December schedule.

The Gunners return from the international break with a huge fixture - the first North London Derby of the season. Arteta will hope to recover some of his injured players before Sunday’s clash with Tottenham.

Arsenal will then welcome Bayern Munich to the Emirates in the Champions League before travelling to Stamford Bridge to face Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea.

As for their title rivals City, the two sides are set to meet again in April after drawing 1-1 in their earlier encounter this season.