Mikel Arteta has urged his Arsenal players to channel their energy in the right way as they close in on a potential Premier League and Champions League double. The Gunners lead the Premier League and have reached the Champions League final for the first time since 2006.
Title Race Heats Up
Arsenal are on the verge of winning their first league title in 22 years. Even if Manchester City beat Brentford on Saturday, Arteta's side can move closer to glory with a win against West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday. A final home game against Burnley and a trip to Crystal Palace follow, but Arteta is taking nothing for granted. 'We have to be there, and we have to be better than the opponent and win the game,' he said.
Momentum and Confidence
Arteta dismissed criticism from the 'celebration police' after dancing on the pitch following the Champions League semi-final victory. 'I think we're in a really good moment,' he said. 'You could sense the energy the night after the game. I see every single day, here, I know how much we want it. We have to channel that energy in the right way.'
Declan Rice's rallying cry after a defeat to City in April sparked a turnaround. 'I think that was the start of the sentence,' Arteta added. 'It's not done and we're more confident that we're going to do it.'
Double Ambition
Arsenal could become only the sixth English team to win a league and European double. After losing the Carabao Cup final in March, Arteta has forged a new spirit of togetherness. Players like Viktor Gyokeres, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Bukayo Saka have stepped up. 'What is driving and really pushing the team is that incredible will to win,' Arteta said. 'We have shown what we are capable of, and now it's about delivering when the moment matters most.'
