Arsenal must embody fighting spirit in crucial fixture as title race reaches business end | OneFootball

Gunners face must-win task against Bournemouth as title race reaches business end

Mikel Arteta wants the Arsenal fans to be loud, engaged and, seemingly, starving.

Whether Arteta even knows who John Sitton is remains uncertain, but the Spaniard channeled the former Leyton Orient manager's message.

Sitton, in that infamous half-time team talk, was telling his players to grab anything they could get their hands on, including their dinner, as he threatened to fight them. Put in that context, Arteta's rallying cry on the same theme was tame by comparison.

The Gunners host Bournemouth in the lunchtime kick-off on Saturday. Victory would take them 12 points clear of Manchester City for at least 24 hours.

"The closer we get, the relevance and importance of the match increases, obviously, and tomorrow is a big day for us," Arteta said on Friday.

"The players know it, our supporters know it. 12.30 kick-off. It's an early kick-off, so get up early, have an early breakfast, bring your lunch, bring your dinner, and let's go all together for it because it has to be a big day."

Arsenal have not kicked a ball in the Premier League since Max Dowman wrapped up victory over Everton almost a month ago.

That was a result that put the title race further in their control, but the next week is one that could well decide it.

City travel to Chelsea on Sunday afternoon, a tricky trip that will become even more difficult if Arsenal can pile on the pressure a day earlier. Playing first in the weekend is a huge advantage and one Arsenal must make the most of.

Four points from their next two matches in the league - at home to Bournemouth this afternoon and then away to City next weekend - and Arsenal will be on the verge of booking a trophy parade.

Lose to the Cherries, though, and City will be nine points behind with two games in hand and a match at home to Arsenal to come.

That trip to the Etihad looms large, but it is the visit of Bournemouth that has the potential to be a defining showdown.

The Cherries have not played since March 20, with their FA Cup exit earlier in the season given then extended time off after the international break.

Andoni Iraola's side are full of energy at the best of times and they will back themselves to get at an Arsenal side who have played three times in that period, including on Tuesday night in Portugal.

Arsenal did not fly back to London until the following day, further cutting into their preparation time. Arteta's plea to the supporters was made fully in the knowledge that his players will need every lift they can get.

With Bournemouth having the edge in terms of freshness, Arsenal's bench will once again be crucial. No side in Europe's top five leagues have had more goal involvements from substitutes than the Gunners.

Eberechi Eze is expected to be back in the squad against Bournemouth, while Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka have not been ruled out. Arsenal should have strong options.

Gabriel Martinelli is the example of what Arteta demands from the "finisher" role, as he calls it. The Brazilian came off the bench against Sporting on Tuesday night and set up Kai Havertz's winner in a brilliant cameo.

"Gabi is someone that it doesn't matter what you're doing out there, he wants to be the best and when he starts, great," Arteta said.

"When he doesn't, he's still the same specimen and wants to win and he will do anything to win. That's what I love about him."

Hunger on the pitch and in the stands is the combination Arteta wants to get Arsenal finally taking their place at the top table.