Mikel Arteta believes his aspect is starting to reap the rewards of their exhausting work as Arsenal head into 2026 prime of the Premier League desk.
A 4–1 house victory over title rivals Aston Villa left Arsenal 5 factors away from second-placed Manchester Metropolis, who journey to Sunderland on New 12 months’s Day.
Arsenal final lifted the Premier League title in 2004, and when requested if this might lastly be the season to finish their lengthy wait, Arteta pointed to his group’s rising “perception and power”.
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“We’re taking part in each two and a half days; the schedule may be very, very demanding. We’ve some very powerful matches and accidents, however the gamers are nonetheless successful, and successful helps all that,” Arteta stated.
“All of the sacrifices and dedication that you simply put in get mirrored in outcomes and nice performances, and that’s so satisfying. However we all know there’s nonetheless a lot to play for.”
The Spaniard added that whereas the group would briefly benefit from the second, focus would rapidly return to the following problem.
“It’s an effective way to finish the 12 months, that’s for positive. We’ll have evening with our households, however then the following day we’re again in and must go to Bournemouth, and we all know what meaning,” he stated.
After edging one-goal wins in opposition to Wolverhampton, Everton and Brighton of their earlier league matches, Arsenal scored 4 in a league sport for the primary time since their emphatic north London derby victory over Tottenham on November 23.
“We wanted this sport,” stated Martin Zubimendi, who was on the right track alongside Gabriel, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus as Arsenal dominated the second half.
“We had been taking part in at house and needed to complete the 12 months on the prime of the desk. Aston Villa are an excellent group, tactically virtually good, so we’re very proud of the efficiency.
