2 weeks ago
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says his team is focused only on what it can control after it established itself as the early favorite for the Premier League title.
This weekend, Arsenal beat Fulham and Liverpool lost to Manchester United, meaning there is now a four-point gap between the sides, who are separated by Manchester City in the standings.
"The only thing that I embrace is when I see the team, the energy, the temperature, the commitment and the quality that they can deliver, that it gives me that conviction that we can go all the way," Arteta said when asked about potentially now being the title favorite.
"But that's it, that's just a feeling. Then the next day you have to prove it, the next training session you have to prove it and nothing else. We cannot be busy thinking about those topics."
He was also asked whether he had seen an extra spring in the step of his players as a result of their position in the table, with the Gunners finding form at the same time that Liverpool is struggling.
"I haven't noticed that but obviously there is a lot of narrative afterwards, but that's it," he insisted.
"Every game in this league is a must-win and a very difficult game to win. We're all very appreciative of that, so you don't get carried away with any of that.
"It's very happy obviously and especially after international breaks when you know that you have to align and regroup everybody.
"You could tell that in the first 10 minutes that we were a bit still getting that rhythm, but afterwards watching the game back I think that we deserved to win.
"There are things to improve, but we take the win and we move on now for the Champions League match."
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Liverpool is next in Premier League action on Saturday against Brentford in the late kick-off slot. Arsenal then plays on Sunday against Crystal Palace, another team that has been in form of late.
Liverpool.com says: Arteta knows that there is a long way to go and Liverpool just has to try and keep pace while it is playing poorly. Do that, and there is more than enough time to close the gap.
Right now, Liverpool is still within touching distance without playing well yet. Hopefully, Arne Slot can find a way of making his attack work — and when that happens, things can change quickly.
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