According to Metro, When questioned about Arsenal's chance to extend their lead over Manchester City, Mikel Arteta couldn't contain his delight, expressing gratitude for what he deemed a "great question" during his media briefing ahead of Saturday's match against Wolves.
With Arsenal currently trailing City by just two points in the table, the possibility of a four-point lead looms if they secure victories against Wolves and Chelsea in their upcoming fixtures.
City's absence from Premier League action until Thursday, due to their FA Cup commitments, provides Arsenal with the opportunity to apply pressure at the top.
"Great question!" exclaimed Arteta with a broad smile, acknowledging the positive outlook.
"A very positive question… Keep going!"
Arteta recognized the significance of maintaining pressure on City, stating, "If we win, we will put pressure [on Man City] for sure.
Because we would be at the top and then they would have to win. But we have to do our duty."
Amidst recent negative reporting following Arsenal's consecutive defeats to Aston Villa and Bayern Munich, Arteta subtly criticized the media's portrayal of his team's performances.
Reflecting on the varying narratives, Arteta remarked, "If I take a newspaper and show it to my son, after Brighton and after Bayern Munich about the same team, he would think it was three years [apart].
That's the reality of what it is. But we have to live with that."
Arteta identified two key factors contributing to Arsenal's recent dip in form, attributing it to both the quality of their opponents and his own decisions.
"Sometimes it's the opponent," Arteta acknowledged. "The opponent's play very good and you have to congratulate them.
Sometimes it will be my fault as well, not changing anything or making the right call."