Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes his side are perfectly positioned to finally end a long-standing pattern that has haunted the club in recent Premier League title races. Despite frequently starting the calendar year at the top of the table, the Gunners have repeatedly failed to convert that advantage into a league title.
This time, however, Arteta insists the mentality, consistency, and hunger within his squad suggest a different outcome could be on the horizon.
Arsenal currently sit four points clear at the summit following Manchester City’s surprise draw with Sunderland earlier this week. With half of the season already completed, momentum appears to be swinging toward North London as the title race intensifies.
Arsenal Hold Advantage as Rivals Wait
The Gunners have a chance to strengthen their grip on first place when they travel to Bournemouth in the early hours of Sunday, January 4. A positive result would place additional pressure on Manchester City, who will not face Chelsea until 24 hours later.
Such scheduling dynamics could play a psychological role in the title battle, but Arteta has stressed that Arsenal’s focus must remain entirely on their own performance rather than the actions of their rivals.
“We have to control what we can control,” Arteta has repeatedly emphasized throughout the campaign, and that message remains unchanged despite the current league standings.
History Looms Over Arsenal’s Title Ambitions
Arsenal last lifted the Premier League trophy in 2004, during the famous “Invincibles” season. Ironically, that historic side did not start the calendar year on top of the table, instead chasing Manchester United before surging late.
Since then, Arsenal have found themselves leading the league at the beginning of 2008, 2014, 2016, 2022, and 2023—only to fall short each time as the season progressed.
Arteta admitted he was not fully aware of the statistical trend, but he remains convinced that this squad is capable of rewriting the narrative.
“Let’s break it,” Arteta declared when asked about Arsenal’s past struggles from a position of strength.
Belief Fueled by Dominant Performances
The Arsenal boss pointed to his team’s emphatic 4–1 victory over Aston Villa at the end of 2025 as a defining moment that reinforced his belief in the group.
“I think what they show every single day in training and in matches tells you everything,” Arteta said. “You can see the desire, the energy, the intensity, and how much they want it.”
According to Arteta, that collective hunger is essential for sustaining a title challenge over the long months ahead.
“There are still five months to go,” he added. “We have to take it day by day, enjoy the process of being where we are, and keep chasing improvement.”
Embracing the Pressure of a Title Race
Arsenal have finished as Premier League runners-up in three consecutive seasons, a reality that has sharpened both expectations and pressure around the club.
Rather than shying away from it, Arteta believes the team must fully embrace the weight of a genuine title challenge.
When asked whether Arsenal needed to do something different this season compared to previous campaigns, his response was refreshingly direct.
“Win more matches. That’s it,” Arteta said.
He highlighted a remarkable statistic to underline his point.
“From January to January over the last three years, we’ve earned more points than any other team in this league. So the solution is simple—we need even more points. We need to win more games and be better. That’s the only way.”
Declan Rice Injury Remains a Concern
Despite the positive mood, Arsenal’s preparations for the Bournemouth match have been complicated by concerns over Declan Rice. The midfielder is still dealing with swelling in his knee and remains a doubt for the weekend fixture.
Initial hopes were that the issue would subside in time, but his condition is set to be reassessed closer to kick-off.
Arteta firmly dismissed suggestions that Rice’s injury could have been prevented had he been substituted earlier during last week’s win over Brighton.
“No, no, no,” Arteta insisted. “He was able to continue. These things happen in football.”
Arteta Defends Medical Decision
The Spanish coach explained that adrenaline often masks discomfort during matches, making it difficult to predict the severity of certain impacts.
“Sometimes you take a knock, and during the game, with adrenaline and your body still warm, you can manage it,” Arteta said. “Then the body reacts afterward, and unfortunately the reaction can be stronger than expected.”
While Rice’s potential absence would be a setback, Arteta remains confident in the depth and resilience of his squad as they navigate a demanding schedule.
Focus Remains on the Process
With a commanding league position and belief growing among supporters, Arsenal appear closer than ever to ending their long wait for Premier League glory.
Yet Arteta continues to urge calm, discipline, and focus.
“This is a privilege,” he concluded. “To be here, to be competing, to be in this position—it’s something we have to enjoy. But enjoyment comes from commitment, from work, and from winning games.”
For Arsenal, the challenge is clear: turn promise into history and finally break the curse that has lingered for two decades.
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