Mikel Arteta has firmly rejected any statistical comparisons between his current Arsenal team and the legendary 'Invincibles' side of 2003-04, insisting that only major trophy success can justify such parallels.
Statistical Superiority But Missing Silverware
Despite his team's impressive Premier League campaign, the Spaniard has urged caution. After 20 league matches this season, Arsenal have amassed 48 points and scored 40 goals. This surpasses the tally of the iconic unbeaten team, who had 46 points and 36 goals at the same stage under Arsène Wenger.
However, Arteta, who took charge in December 2019, pointed to the stark difference in achievement. His tenure has so far yielded an FA Cup victory and three consecutive second-place finishes in the league, but no Premier League title.
'Stats Are Not Enough' Says Gunners Boss
When questioned on whether the superior numbers meant his team was better, Arteta was unequivocal. "No, because the Invincibles won a lot, and they won consistently and created a history and a legacy. We have to do that," he stated.
He acknowledged the team's strong metrics in recent years but stressed the ultimate goal. "Obviously, there are a lot of stats, but in the last two or three years, as well, we've had stats and more points and more goals in history. At the end we have to translate that to major trophies and that's what we want to do."
Arteta highlighted the increasing competitive standards, adding: "Probably now what we are doing would have been enough in previous seasons, but now it's not enough and we have to make the margins even bigger. That's what we have to do."
Injury Blow Ahead of Liverpool Showdown
The manager also delivered a team news update ahead of Thursday's crucial top-of-the-table fixture against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium. He confirmed that summer signing Riccardo Calafiori will miss the match through an unspecified issue.
Furthermore, defender Cristhian Mosquera is also ruled out due to an ankle injury, depleting Arteta's defensive options for the high-stakes encounter.
As the title race intensifies, Arteta's message is clear: historical comparisons are premature until his team converts their undoubted potential into the tangible success of Premier League glory.
