‘An incredible ride’ – Arteta reflects on six years as Arsenal manager
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The Gunners finished second in each of the last three seasons, but have been widely tipped for the title this time around, having topped the table since the start of October.
After injuries derailed their title push last season, the summer business appears to be paying off, with the north London side maintaining their spot in pole position, despite suffering from several key absences once again.
“It’s not enough, and we’ve gone and increased the numbers and certainly the quality and, within that, the versatility of this team.
“We’ve added pieces we didn’t have that can complement each other in a really powerful way, and they have adapted really well.”
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‘Everything has to be perfect’ – Arteta says Arsenal must reach new heights for PL glory
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Despite this, The Gunners have lost just twice in all competitions this season and sit top of both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
The north London side have been producing “very strong numbers in all departments”, according to their manager, who believes they need to be close to perfect to end their 22-year wait for the title.
Reflecting on the reasons for their near misses in recent years, Arteta said: “The manner that the team got hit with injuries in the most critical part of (last) season, I think that was a massive one.
“The year before, we scored the most goals in the history of Arsenal Football Club and the least goals conceded, the most clean sheets and the most wins. You still don’t win the league. That’s the demands that we have.
“So almost everything has to be perfect in this league to give yourself the chance to win it.
“And now this season, again, we’re producing very, very strong numbers in all departments, and we need to continue to go for another six months.”
Arsenal have won all six of their games in the Champions League this season, scoring 17 goals and conceding just once in those matches.
They have conceded the fewest goals of any team in the Premier League this term, while only Manchester City, powered by Erling Haaland, have scored more.
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Arteta outlines what ‘exceptional’ Zubimendi brings to Arsenal midfield
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‘We are in a good moment now’ – Arteta
Arteta believes this is reflected in the way the team has “matured” on the pitch, and underlines what they have been “building” towards, with many of their key players having been at the club for a long period and since a young age.
The Spaniard said: “You can see the way the team competes and the way the individuals, as well, have evolved and matured. That’s something that takes time to get into that position.
“Look at Bukayo (Saka) and the amount of games that he’s played at his age, or (Gabriel) Martinelli or (William) Saliba or big Gabi (Gabriel), Jurrien (Timber), he’s 23 years old. And that’s what we’ve been building.
“And now, you have to keep building with those ones, but as well, with the ones underneath. So Max (Dowman), Ethan (Nwaneri), Myles (Lewis-Skelly), all these players as well.
“In one, two, three years, where are you going to be to keep supporting and making this team better? And it has a time frame. I think we’re in a really good moment now.”
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Highlights: Arsenal snatch late, huge win against Wolves
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As well as the squad maturing in age, it has also benefited from the addition of players with experience of winning silverware, notably with Zubimendi and Mikel Merino, who have tasted European Championship success with Spain.
“It does help,” Arteta admitted. “As well, we have players with Noni, for example, or Viktor, he won the championship last year. All this helps.
“At the end, we all know that unlocking the first big trophy is something psychologically very, very important, because when you have that belief that you can do it, and you’ve done it, and you have sensed the journey and the key things that you have to master to actually do it, I think it’s very important.
“And now we’re going to do it.”
