Staying Focused Amid Criticism
Mikel Arteta insists that Arsenal are “exactly where we want to be” in all competitions, even after conceding a stoppage-time equaliser in a 2-2 draw against bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday. The result allowed rivals Manchester City to narrow the gap in the Premier League title race, but Arsenal still lead by five points. Arteta emphasized the team’s focus on the present rather than outside opinions, saying, “We have ourselves a very clear instruction… The present is beautiful. We are exactly where we want to be in every competition.”
Champions League, Cups, and the League Race
Despite the draw, Arsenal remain strong across multiple fronts. They are top of the Premier League, have a place in the Carabao Cup final, have reached the fifth round of the FA Cup, and have maintained a 100% record in the Champions League group stage. Arteta noted that maintaining this focus is crucial, stating that his players must “earn it like we have done in the last seven or eight months.” With the north London derby against Tottenham coming up, Arsenal’s lead could shrink depending on Manchester City’s results, adding extra intensity to the weekend clash.
Ignoring Distractions and Moving Forward
Arteta also addressed Wolves’ TikTok video mocking Arsenal’s performance, saying he prefers to pay attention to the views of Wolves manager Rob Edwards. “He thinks that we are the best team in the league by far,” Arteta said. He emphasized that the team’s focus remains on performance on the pitch, taking lessons from disappointment but not letting outside chatter influence them. “The instant reaction, first of all, is pain, and after that is ‘OK, what can I do about it?’ And that’s it,” he added.
