Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-07 14:37:34
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is focused on his team’s upcoming match against Brentford, rather than the result of the showdown between Liverpool and Manchester City. Despite being just two points behind Liverpool and one point behind City in the Premier League title race, Arteta believes Arsenal are still not in a position to control the destiny of the title.
Arteta’s team has the opportunity to temporarily move into first place if they beat Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. A draw between Liverpool and City would keep Arsenal at the top on goal difference. However, Arteta remains cautious and insists that his team needs to continue improving in order to compete for the title.
The Arsenal manager expressed his excitement for the Liverpool vs. City match, describing it as a game that should be enjoyable for all football enthusiasts. He stressed the importance of focusing on Arsenal’s own performance and securing a victory against Brentford, a team they have already defeated twice this season.
Reflecting on last year’s title race where Arsenal lost an eight-point lead to City, Arteta emphasized the team’s desire to improve and their belief that they still have room for growth. He highlighted the experience gained from that disappointment as a potential advantage this season.
Arsenal has been in impressive form, winning seven consecutive league games in 2024 and scoring 31 goals while conceding just three. Arteta praised his team’s quality, consistency, and defensive resilience, describing their performance as “very powerful.”
The manager credited a January training camp in Dubai for rejuvenating the team after a tough period with defeats against Fulham and West Ham. He emphasized the importance of the trip in helping the players improve and maintain high standards.
In terms of team selection, Aaron Ramsdale will start in goal for Arsenal as David Raya is ineligible to face his parent club, Brentford. Arteta praised Ramsdale’s attitude and commitment, highlighting his professionalism and dedication in training.
As Arsenal continues their pursuit of the Premier League title, Arteta remains focused on taking each game as it comes and striving for continuous improvement. He believes that the team’s progression, experience, and strong performances will be key factors in their quest for championship glory.
