‘As simple as that’ – Arteta on what he has learned from previous Premier League title races | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has reflected on what he has learned from previous title races ahead of the two sides’ meeting at the Etihad Stadium.

The 2022/23 campaign saw Arsenal lead the league for the majority of the season before they were overtaken by rivals Manchester City to snatch the trophy from their hands.

They took just 12 points of a possible 27 from their final nine games, allowing Pep Guardiola’s City to retain the title and extended Arsenal’s wait to bring another Premier League trophy to the Emirates.

Arsenal were also pipped to the title in 2023/24 by Manchester City, who came from behind to overtake their rivals.

It is a story that Arteta and his players do not wish to relive, although they are living dangerously following their 2-1 defeat by Bournemouth, which has allowed City to cut down the gap between them.

City could narrow the gap again on Sunday when they take on Arenal.

Asked what lessons he had taken from previous title races, Arteta kept it brief: “Get all the players available in April.”

He added: “I said it many times, that’s the biggest lesson. April, May, the whole squad available, your best players on the pitch as much as possible. Probability to win it increases dramatically.

“It’s as simple and as difficult as that.”

Stay up to date with all the latest Arsenal news by joining our Arsenal WhatsApp channel. 

The Arsenal boss is faced with several injuries to key players at the moment, including Bukayo Saka, who has been ruled out of the City clash. Captain Martin Odegaard and defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber have also been out of action and Mikel Merino is not guaranteed to return before the end of the season, sidelined with a foot injury.

With six games to go, it is not clear whether Arteta’s wish of having everyone fit will come true, but Arsenal will have to make do with the players available if they hope to hold on to their lead.

If you enjoy our articles, help us out by making Hayters.com one of your preferred sources on Google by clicking here.