Mikel Arteta has spoken exclusively to Sky Sports ahead of Arsenal’s big Premier League and Champions League push; the Gunners have four league games remaining and up to two more European fixtures; watch Arsenal vs Fulham live on Sky Sports on Saturday from 5pm, with kickoff at 5:30pm.
Mikel Arteta has encouraged his Arsenal players to fully “love” the buzz and intensity of chasing titles in both the Premier League and Champions League — believing his side can get “very close” to claiming a first top-flight crown in 22 years with a win over Fulham, live on Sky Sports.
The Gunners could move six points ahead of second-placed Manchester City on Saturday Night Football, although Pep Guardiola’s team will have two games in hand, beginning against Everton on Monday night, which is also live on Sky.
Arsenal held a nine-point advantage earlier this season, but a tougher stretch in April has tightened things up into what is now a close contest.
Many have suggested Arsenal are feeling the pressure again in the Premier League title hunt after finishing as runners-up in recent years. But when asked by Sky Sports how he wants his squad to handle these key weeks, Arteta replied: “I tell them: love it.”
“If you want to win the Premier League and want to win the Champions League, you’re going to face tough moments. That’s part of it. You want to be there? Love being there. When you win, love it. When things don’t go perfectly — and there will be games where you drop points — love it. That’s how you grow stronger.”
“There’s no other path. If you aim for the top, challenges will come. It’s completely normal. And in the end, only one team lifts the trophy. The rest? That doesn’t mean they’re not good enough. Come on, anyone thinking that has it wrong.”
How Arteta Handles the Outside Noise
Arteta also shared how he manages the stress during a tight Premier League title race. The Arsenal boss said he only pays attention to feedback from people who truly have the club’s best interests at heart — anything else, he tunes out.
“In my playing days, I didn’t read much — especially from those who didn’t want the best for us,” Arteta explained.
“I’m really curious and open when someone wants the best for me and the team. I listen fully and learn a lot. But it has to be genuine. If it’s just to create problems with no real purpose, then it’s not worth my time.”
‘Win Against Fulham and We’re Very Close’
The Premier League title battle is incredibly tight — and it could come down to goal difference if both Arsenal and City win out their remaining fixtures.
But Arteta has placed extra focus on Saturday’s matchup with Fulham, saying a victory would put them “very, very close” to the prize.
“Against Newcastle, we had five games left — that was the first one,” Arteta noted. “Now it’s the second game — and if you win it, you really start to feel very, very close. That’s what motivates us.”
“It’s our own journey. Think of it as five separate races. The first one is complete, now onto the second. Visualize the moment and what it means: win the next, and you’re right in the mix.”