Mikel Arteta has reportedly stated that competing with Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp has pinned him to ‘seek excellence’ as he vies to lead Arsenal to the Premier League title for the first time in 20 years.
Even though Manchester City still have a game in hand, the Gunners are now leading the table with two games remaining. On Sunday, Arsenal will take on Manchester United, and they need Guardiola’s team to drop points against Fulham, Tottenham, or West Ham.
Even though Arsenal have won 14 of their last 16 league games and only lost once, Arteta thinks Klopp and Guardiola are setting a higher standard for him.
“It’s a challenge but at the same time, it’s very inspiring,” Arteta said as quoted by the Evening Standard.
“When you have two of the best managers in the world [Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp] with two huge clubs, competing and facing them in their eyes and willing to be better than them, you learn from it.
“You challenge yourself and seek excellence because it’s the only way to try to beat them.
“We are so lucky that we are fighting to win major trophies. The outcome is going to be decided by small details but with that journey you have to really embrace and enjoy the moment.
“We are improving. When you look at the numbers in position with the top teams, it’s really positive.