Mikel Arteta has challenged his Arsenal side to ramp up the pressure on Manchester City by extending their Premier League lead ahead of their rivals’ crucial clash with Chelsea on Sunday.
- +Arteta urges Arsenal to pile pressure on Man City in EPL title race
The Gunners host Bournemouth on Saturday, while second-placed City travel to Stamford Bridge a day later, with the title race entering a decisive phase.
The Gunners host Bournemouth on Saturday, while second-placed City travel to Stamford Bridge a day later, with the title race entering a decisive phase.
Arsenal currently sit nine points clear of City, albeit having played a game more. Victory over Bournemouth would stretch that advantage to 12 points, increasing the pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side to respond.
“The closer we get, the relevance and importance of the match increases,” Arteta said on Friday. “Tomorrow is a big day for us.
“The players know it, our supporters know it. It’s an early kick-off, so get up early, have breakfast, bring your lunch, bring your dinner, and let’s go all together for it because it has to be a big day.”
Arsenal come into the fixture on the back of a 1-0 win over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, having previously suffered setbacks in the League Cup final against City and the FA Cup quarter-finals against Southampton.
The North London side are chasing their first Premier League title in 22 years, as well as a maiden Champions League crown, potentially ending a six-year wait for silverware.
“First of all, it’s the capacity we have as a club and as a team, the will to win,” Arteta said. “We recognise the opportunity ahead, and we are going to do our best to achieve it.”
