Arsenal’s campaign looked ready to unravel last month, but a string of strong performances has lifted the group’s spirits, with manager Mikel Arteta insisting the squad is in the “perfect” mental state as the season moves into its closing stretch.
Key takeaways
- Arsenal bounced back after setbacks, and Arteta says the team are now emotionally prepared for the season’s final matches.
- Following a League Cup final loss to Manchester City in March, Arsenal were also eliminated from the FA Cup by Southampton in the quarter-finals.
- Despite a brief stint behind City in the Premier League, Arsenal enter their second-to-last league game with a two-point advantage.
- Arsenal have booked their place in the Champions League final, set to face Paris Saint-Germain.
- Arteta reported that Ben White has a long-term injury, while Jurrien Timber is also unavailable, forcing Arsenal to consider options at right back.
From quadruple hopes to a late push
After falling short in the League Cup final against title rivals Manchester City in March, Arsenal’s season took another hit when they were knocked out of the FA Cup at the quarter-final stage by second-tier Southampton, ending their bid to win a quadruple.
They also briefly dropped out of first place in the Premier League to City. However, four victories in their last five matches across all competitions have steadied their momentum, leaving the north London club heading into their penultimate league match with a two-point lead.
Champions League final and squad updates
Arsenal have additionally secured their spot in the Champions League showpiece, where they will meet holders Paris Saint-Germain.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Monday’s home game against Burnley, Arteta said the squad is fully locked in. He described the dressing-room atmosphere as being “present” and said the team’s emotional state and energy levels are exactly right.
He added that most players are now available, noting that Ben White is the only notable absence after sustaining a long-term injury, while other players are returning. Arteta also acknowledged that the team must adapt because of the situation at right back, with both White ruled out and Jurrien Timber sidelined.
“We need to look at alternatives,” Arteta said, explaining that Arsenal’s current options in that position are not available at the moment. He stressed that the club have dealt with similar problems across the pitch earlier in the season, and argued that they have consistently found the right performance level and stability even when faced with disruptions.
Premier League title picture and goal-difference question
In the Premier League, Arsenal sit top on 79 points from 36 matches, holding a two-point buffer over City. City still have the advantage in goal difference, keeping the title race finely balanced.
When asked whether Arsenal would need to score more if goal difference becomes the deciding factor, Arteta responded that the priority is to earn the right to win each match. He said that while improving the goal tally would be beneficial, Arsenal’s focus first must be on securing victories, and that scoring goals will be important in the ideal scenario.
