Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made it clear that no one possesses greater ambition, motivation, or passion than himself to guide The Gunners to a long-awaited Premier League title.
The North London club last lifted the league trophy in 2004, and in the past three seasons, they have finished as runners-up, repeatedly falling just short despite dominant campaigns. This season, however, Arsenal finds themselves in a commanding position at the top of the table, with 16 games remaining and a total of 48 points still up for grabs.
With Manchester City’s form dipping and reigning champions Liverpool trailing by 14 points, the Premier League crown increasingly looks within Arsenal’s grasp.
Focus as the Key to Title Success
Ahead of a crucial clash against Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, January 25, 2026, Arteta stressed that complete focus is the only way to secure the title.
Despite having led Arsenal for six years, Arteta’s only major trophy with the club remains the FA Cup in 2020. The Premier League trophy has eluded him, and he is determined to change that narrative.
“I don’t think anyone has more motivation, more hunger, or greater desire than me to take us all the way and win it,” Arteta said. “But we know the only way to do it is by staying fully focused, present in every single moment, and improving on everything we’ve done today for what comes tomorrow.”
He added, “That is it. That is the only thing we can control. Everything else doesn’t add value and can distract us from what matters.”
Arsenal’s Frontline Options: Gyokeres Eyeing Starting Spot
Gabriel Jesus has been in sensational form, scoring twice in Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League. Despite this, Arteta left the door open for Viktor Gyokeres to potentially start against Manchester United.
The Swedish striker came off the bench in Italy and scored Arsenal’s third goal, but he has struggled to consistently replicate his prolific form from his debut season. Gyokeres impressed at Sporting Lisbon, netting 97 goals in 102 appearances, yet he has managed just five Premier League goals so far for Arsenal.
Patience Needed for Viktor Gyokeres
Arteta urged fans and analysts to exercise patience when evaluating Gyokeres, emphasizing that a season-long assessment is more appropriate.
“Let’s judge him at the end of the season, and even then, it might still be a small sample,” Arteta explained. “We also need to consider the league he is playing in and the challenges faced by number nines across all competitions. Football evolves, and so does the role of a striker.”
He continued, “There are many factors to consider when assessing a player, and we will evaluate not only one aspect but multiple dimensions of their game. It’s about understanding the bigger picture and the context in which they perform.”
Arsenal’s Premier League Ambitions
Arsenal’s title chase is not just about points but also mindset. Arteta believes that sustaining focus, managing pressure, and maintaining consistency across the remaining fixtures will be critical in securing the first league title for the club in over two decades.
The North Londoners have shown remarkable form this season, blending experienced players with emerging talents, and Arteta is keen to leverage this mix to maintain their dominance. With a seven-point lead at the top and crucial matches against direct rivals still to come, Arsenal’s squad has the momentum to convert this opportunity into historic success.
Tactical Flexibility and Squad Depth
One of Arteta’s strengths this season has been his ability to rotate the squad while maintaining tactical coherence. Players like Jesus and Gyokeres provide multiple attacking options, allowing Arsenal to adapt to different opponents. Arteta’s strategic approach focuses on maximizing the strengths of each player while minimizing weaknesses.
He emphasizes that every member of the squad must remain engaged, adaptable, and ready to step up when needed, particularly during the grueling second half of the Premier League season.
Conclusion: Arteta’s Determination
Arteta’s message is clear: Arsenal’s Premier League ambition is fueled by a singular vision and relentless drive. While fans eagerly await a long-awaited title, Arteta insists that focus, patience, and calculated decision-making are the pillars of their quest for glory.
“Everything we do now is about preparing for the moments that count,” Arteta said. “We are committed to this challenge, and nothing will distract us from achieving our goal. The Premier League title is within our reach, and we will give everything to claim it.”
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