In what may well have been their lowest moment of the Premier League season, the message that persuaded Arsenal’s players they could still win the title arrived
Mikel Arteta knew that even at Arsenal’s lowest point they still had the determination and spirit to turn their season around.
He knew when Declan Rice was seen mouthing on TV “it’s not done” after Arsenal’s devastating defeat at Manchester City last month that his team were not out of the title race. Even as Arsenal’s season stood on the brink of despair, losing their lead in the title race three days later with most calling it ‘Advantage City’.
The response to the threat of ending the campaign empty handed has been remarkable. Two straight wins against Newcastle and Fulham – plus City’s draw at Everton – have been a game-changer, while they’ve also reached the Champions League final.
Now they have piled the pressure back on City and are in the mix for the two biggest trophies they could win this term and it’s little wonder they go into Sunday’s match with West Ham on a high after seeing off Atletico Madrid
Arteta remembers the three-word message from Rice at the Etihad and says that message soon shot its way through the dressing room – and is providing the foundation for success.
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Gunners boss Arteta said: “I think that was the start of the sentence. I think it’s not done and we’re more confident that we’re going to do it. That was the feeling without them even needing to express it in the dressing room but I felt it immediately.
“What is in our hands is to perform at the highest level on Sunday to win that group and if we can do that then we will be even closer and that’s the only focus we have. We have shown throughout the last three or four seasons what we are area capable of in terms of performances and consistency and now it’s about delivering when the moment matters the most.
“I think we’re in a really good moment. You could sense, the energy the night after the game. I see every single day, here, I know, how much we want it, and, those are elements that are very, very positive, and we have to use them, to go there on Sunday, and win the game.”
Arsenal are now on a real high and Arteta insists they are not getting carried away – but they are determined to finish the job.
When asked if he has ever seen his players as motivated, Arteta said: “Motivated, I don’t know, as happy, and emotional, and loud, probably I haven’t, because that was, a brilliant moment.
“I think I said it three or four months ago when I said about handling this situation and it’s been exactly like that. The players have responded really well to that, we go there understanding the importance of the match. What is driving and really pushing the team is that incredible will to win.
“I think we have to channel that energy in the right way, I think it’s, again, very, very powerful, I think they feel confident, I think they are convinced, and they are really, looking forward, to play on Sunday, and that’s, probably the best part of it.
“We must stay present, live the moment, prepare, and show the same level of energy, hunger, and desire that we’ve shown all season, or more. Because, as you said, we are closer and closer, and everything that we do now is going to matter to win it or not.”
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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
