Mikel Arteta exclusive: ‘Mature’ Arsenal have ‘proceeded to another level’ but Premier League title requires near-perfection

The Gunners have finished second in each of the past three seasons, but have been in first place since the beginning of October and are seen as the favorites to win this time.

Injuries derailed their title bid last season, but their strong summer form appears to be paying off as the north London outfit maintains pole position despite once again suffering key absences.

“That’s not enough, we’ve been working on increasing the number of teams, certainly increasing the quality and in doing so increasing the diversity of this team.

“We added elements that we didn’t have that complemented each other in a very powerful way. They adapted very well.”

‘Everything has to be perfect’, Arteta says Arsenal need to reach new heights for PL glory

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Despite this, the Gunners have lost just twice in all competitions this season and are top of both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

The manager said the north London side had put up “very strong numbers in all departments” and believes they need to be close to perfection if they are to end their 22-year run without winning the title.

Reflecting on the reasons for the near misses in recent years, Arteta said: “I think it was a huge event for the team to have injuries at the most important time of the season (last year).”

“The year before that, we had scored the most goals, conceded the fewest goals, kept the most clean sheets and won the most wins in the history of Arsenal Football Club. We still haven’t won the league and that’s what we want.”

“So to have a chance to win in this league, pretty much everything has to be perfect.

“And this season has also produced very, very strong numbers in all departments and should continue for another six months.”

Arsenal have won all six of their Champions League games this season, scoring 17 goals and conceding just one.

They have conceded the fewest goals of any Premier League side this season, with only Erling Haaland’s Manchester City scoring more.

Arteta talks about what ‘extraordinary’ Zvimendi brings to Arsenal’s midfield

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‘We’re in a good time’ – Arteta

Arteta believes this is reflected in the team’s “maturity” on the pitch, with many of their key players having been at the club for a long time since their youth, and highlighting what the team has “built” towards.

“You can see how the team competes and how the individuals have evolved and matured. It takes time to get into that position,” the Spaniard said.

“If you look at Bukayo (Saka) and the number of games he has played at that age, or (Gabriel) Martinelli or (William) Saliba or the big Gabi (Gabriel) or Julien (Timber), he is 23 years old and that is what we have built.

“And now we have to continue to develop, not only with those players, but with the players below them. Max (Dowman), Ethan (Nwaneri), Miles (Lewis Skelly), all these players as well.”

“One year from now, two years from now, three years from now, where are you going to be to continue to support this team and make it better? There’s a time frame to that. I think we’re in a really good time right now.”

Highlights: Arsenal steal the show late on to win big against Wolves

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In addition to the maturity of the squad, they have also benefited from the addition of silver medal-winning players such as Zvimendi and Mikel Merino, who tasted success at the European Championships with Spain.

“It certainly helped,” Arteta admitted. “Likewise, we have players like Noni, for example, and Victor, who won the championship last year. This all helps.”

“Finally, we all know that unlocking that first big trophy is a very important thing psychologically, because when you have the belief that you can do it and you’ve done it, and you feel the important things that you have to master and the journey to actually achieve it, I think it’s very important.

“And now we’re going to do it.”