MANCHESTER, England (AP) – Arsenal players are more confident than ever that they can win the Premier League despite losing to title rivals Manchester City on Sunday, manager Mikel Arteta said.
of Lost 2-1 The match at the Etihad Stadium was Arsenal’s second straight defeat in the league and their fourth loss in their last six games in all competitions.
City finished the game three points behind Arsenal and are the new title favorites for many, given their unique form – Pep Guardiola’s side are unbeaten in the league since January 17 – and their pedigree as winners of six of the last eight championships.
However, Arteta felt the nature of his team’s performance boded well for the future.
“I believed today, I believed on Wednesday and I believed a week ago,” Arteta said. “Because I watch them every day and I know our level.
“But if they needed more convincing today, I think they’re more convinced now. They were talking about it in the locker room. It’s a new league now… everything still needs to be played.”
Arsenal had two goals from Gabriel Magalhães and Eberechi Eze, with Kai Havertz heading home from close range in stoppage time.
“We have proven we are there,” Arteta said. “The reality is there was a difference between the two boxes today and that decided the game.”
Arteta does not believe there is a need to pick up his players for the final game of the season.
“If we have five more games in our hands and we have to get the players together to win the Premier League and get to the semi-finals of the Champions League, I think we should be at home,” he said.
“So, it’s not. It’s not necessary. It’s never been needed, even in difficult moments. So here we go again.”
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