Introduction

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency in the second half of the season as his team aims to close the gap to Premier League leaders, Liverpool. With Arsenal currently sitting third in the league, boasting 36 points from 18 matches, they trail Liverpool by nine points and sit just one point behind second-placed Nottingham Forest, who have played one game more.

Arteta's Call for Focus

Ahead of their upcoming match against Brentford, Arteta urged his players to adopt a relentless mentality. "It (title race) doesn't depend on us. But we have to continue to be like a hammer, be there every day, every day," he asserted during a press conference.

Accepting Challenges

Arteta acknowledged that should any team perform exceptionally by winning all their remaining matches, they would have to accept defeat gracefully and refocus on the next campaign. However, he expressed confidence in the unpredictable nature of the league, stating, "If they don't – and in history, it hasn't happened – then we will be there."

Improvements This Season

Historically, Arsenal has finished in second place for the past two seasons, but Arteta insists that this year, the squad has demonstrated considerable improvement. He highlighted the team’s resilience in overcoming challenges, mentioning, "We've proven that already this season, I'm sure of that."

Reflection on Previous Season

Reflecting on the previous season, he noted that the team had faced significant hurdles, including injuries and multiple matches played with a reduced squad due to red cards. "If this had happened last season, we would have struggled to be in the positions we are in now. So, for sure, the team has taken another step forward," Arteta remarked.

Current Position and Pressure

In addition to their recent performances, Arsenal's run in various competitions has been promising. As they continue to battle in domestic and European fixtures, the pressure is mounting for Arteta’s squad to capitalize on any slip-ups from the league leaders. With the title challenge heating up, every match becomes critical, and Arsenal must demonstrate their ability to evolve and adapt.

Conclusion

As they aim for their first Premier League title since 2004, fans will be watching closely to see if Arsenal can maintain momentum and apply the pressure necessary to challenge Liverpool’s dominance. Will they finally reclaim their spot at the top? Only time will tell.