Mikel Arteta has issued a defiant rallying cry to his Arsenal squad, urging them to consign a troubling historical trend to the past as they pursue the club's first Premier League crown in two decades.
The Unwanted Statistic Arsenal Must Overcome
Following Manchester City's surprise draw with Sunderland, Arsenal will begin 2025 sitting proudly at the summit of the Premier League, holding a four-point advantage over their closest rivals. However, history casts a long shadow over this position of strength.
The Gunners have famously not lifted the trophy since the legendary 'Invincibles' season of 2004. More pertinently, on the five previous occasions they have been top of the table on New Year's Day – in 2008, 2014, 2016, 2022, and 2023 – they have ultimately failed to finish the job come May.
When informed of this statistic, Arteta's response was characteristically bullish. "Let's break it," the manager declared. "I think that's what they transmit every single day... You can see their desire, the energy they put in, how much they want it. And that's what we need."
Rice Injury Concern Ahead of Bournemouth Trip
Arsenal's immediate focus is on consolidating their lead with a trip to face Bournemouth on Saturday evening. Their task, however, may be complicated by the likely absence of key midfielder Declan Rice.
The England international is struggling with a knee injury sustained in last week's victory over Brighton. Despite initial hopes that swelling would subside, his participation at the Vitality Stadium is now in serious doubt.
Arteta defended the decision not to substitute Rice immediately after the initial knock. "He managed to do it. That's normal sometimes," Arteta explained. "You get a hit, and with adrenaline you are able to sustain that. Then the body reacts, and it reacted probably more than we expected, unfortunately."
A Season-Defining Mentality Test
Arteta's confidence stems from his squad's palpable hunger, exemplified by their emphatic 4-1 victory over Aston Villa to close out 2024. He emphasised the need to embrace the challenge ahead.
"There's still five months to go," he cautioned. "We must take it day by day, enjoy the process of being where we are, and go for it." With Manchester City facing a tricky fixture against Chelsea 24 hours after Arsenal play, this weekend presents a golden opportunity to extend their cushion at the top.
The coming months will test not just Arsenal's quality, but their mental fortitude. Can Arteta's young guns finally rewrite history and end the long wait for Premier League glory? The manager believes the answer is a resounding yes.
