Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has warned it will be “very difficult” for Liverpool to maintain their spot at the top of the Premier League and believes his side can bridge the nine-point gap to the leaders.
The Gunners will continue their action as they travel to West Ham. Saturday Night Football on Sky SportsLiverpool knew they could temporarily reduce the deficit to six points before their home game against champions Manchester City. Super Sunday.
If Arne Slot’s side win that game, the Reds will re-establish or extend their current lead over the Gunners and also move 11 men off Pep Guardiola’s side.
Sunday, December 1st, 3:30 PM
Kickoff at 4pm
Earlier this week, Slott urged caution about being swept away by Liverpool’s lead, reminding everyone how Arsenal had an eight-point advantage at the top two seasons ago. However, City fought back to claim the title.
Meanwhile, Arteta insists the Gunners are not out of the title fight at this stage after watching his Arsenal side fail to win the title after leading the way in the past two seasons.
“We’ve been there and it’s extremely difficult to maintain that for 10 months,” Arteta said. “If you suddenly think you have it, one day it falls apart.
“It could be the result of an injury or some other kind of decision. And it could happen at any moment. We have to be prepared for that.”
“But that’s something we can’t control. What we can control is doing our best.”
Asked whether Arsenal can beat Liverpool this season, Arteta said: “I really believe in my team.”
‘This is a long game’
Ahead of this weekend’s game, Liverpool have reacted well to the departure of Jurgen Klopp and the appointment of Slot as manager.
Not only have they won all five of their Champions League games this season, but they have also won 10 of their 12 Premier League games.
Along with Nottingham Forest, Arsenal are one of two teams to deny Liverpool a win this season after being held to a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium in October, and Arteta believes his side will need to be perfect if Liverpool are to maintain their current form.
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WATCH FREE: Highlights of Liverpool vs Southampton match in Premier League
“If they continue, that is clear if you look at the numbers they produce and the amount of games they win,” Arteta added.
“We are particularly focused on maintaining the consistency and performance that will give us the right to win games and maintain the availability of the squad – this is long-term.
“Winning boosts energy and confidence. We’ve had two big wins and now it’s important to gain consistency and that momentum. We’ll try to replicate that performance to go further against a good opponent (West Ham) and win the game. .”
Saturday, November 30th, 5pm
Kickoff at 5:30 PM
‘Man City deserved to win every game they lost’
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Arteta discusses this weekend’s top-of-the-table Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester City.
Arteta also spoke about Manchester City’s title hopes, suggesting Guardiola’s side may not be out of the fight due to their recent performances.
Reigning champions City have been winless in their last six games. They had lost five in a row before scoring three goals against Feyenoord on Wednesday night.
Guardiola’s City also have a poor injury record. Key midfielder Rodri is out this season, along with Mateo Kovacic, Jeremy Doku, John Stones, Oscar Bobb and Kevin De Bruyne. ) and Jack Grealish have all faced fitness issues recently.
“Despite the injuries, they deserved to win every game,” Arteta said of City. “If you look at their statistics and everything they do, they are always better than their opponents.
“This is football. You deserve it, you can’t win, but it’s there for a reason.”
Watch West Ham vs Arsenal on Saturday and Liverpool vs Manchester City on Super Sunday. It’s a crucial weekend in the Premier League football title race, live on Sky Sports.
