Mikel Arteta has issued a defiant rallying cry to his Arsenal squad, insisting the Premier League title will be won by focusing on their own performances rather than obsessing over rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
The Gunners boss delivered his calculated blueprint for success after his team momentarily surged to the league's summit with a commanding 2-0 victory over Luton Town. This crucial win, coupled with Manchester City's stalemate against Aston Villa, propelled Arsenal into first place, albeit potentially for a short period with Liverpool set to play on Thursday.
The 'Only Thing That Matters'
When pressed on how he and his players will handle the intense pressure and scrutinise every twist in the title race, Arteta's message was unequivocal. He emphasised a philosophy of pure self-reliance, shutting out the external noise of their competitors' results.
"The only thing that we can do is win our games," Arteta stated firmly. "That’s the only thing. We cannot control anything else. What we can do is win our games and see where that takes us."
Ignoring the Noise, Controlling the Controllable
Arteta's strategy is one of meticulous focus. He believes that energy spent worrying about the outcomes at Anfield or the Etihad is energy wasted. The Spanish manager is drilling into his team the importance of controlling only what they can: their own preparation, mentality, and performance on the pitch each matchday.
This disciplined mindset has been a cornerstone of Arsenal's impressive campaign, which sees them locked in a nail-biting three-way battle for the most coveted trophy in English football.
A Table-Topping Statement
Arsenal's ascent to the top of the table, even if temporary, serves as a powerful psychological statement. It proves they have the resilience and consistency to capitalise when their rivals slip up, applying their own pressure in return.
As the season reaches its dramatic climax, Arteta's men have shown they are not just participants in the title race; they are formidable contenders ready to fight until the final whistle of the final day.
