Mikel Arteta hopes Arsenal can continue to ‘change the narrative’ and maintain control of the Premier League title race against Bournemouth

The Gunners lost both domestic cup competitions either side of the international break, ending hopes of a historic quadruple title as doubts mount over whether the league leaders will hold out.

Speaking to Owen Hargreaves on TNT Sports’ Breakdown, Arteta said:

“The result against Sporting changed the narrative and energy of the team for the better, so we are looking forward to what we have won and now we are trying to turn that into a dream of winning a major trophy.”

‘That was my dream’: Arteta on Arsenal’s desire to become a ‘well-rounded team’

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“We are all united, we have the same energy to put into everything possible to achieve what we have earned with eight or nine months of hard work and consistency, and this is the moment to do it.

“We’re going to keep the gas pedal open, express ourselves and be very positive about everything we do and continue to do a lot of the things that we’ve done to get us here.”

Arteta praises Iraola and ‘really difficult’ Bournemouth

There will be a very familiar face for Arteta in the opposite dugout on Saturday.

He played alongside Andoni Iraola at the Basque side Academy Antiguoco, which also produced former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder Xabi Alonso.

Iraola took charge of Bournemouth in 2023, guiding them to 12th and 9th place.

“What he’s done for Bournemouth is absolutely invaluable. They’ve had a great run and are a really difficult team to beat,” Arteta said.

“The reason for that is probably the culture and passion for the game. The way we have been raised and educated about the game has given us the foundation to become coaches.”

‘Incredible story’ Arteta talks about growing up with Iraora and his ‘invaluable’ job at Bournemouth

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Arteta also reflected that improving the depth of his squad is a top priority heading into this season.

Last year, serious injuries to Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus meant the Gunners’ title bid was thwarted as they fell 10 points behind Liverpool.

However, the signings of Martin Zvimendi, Ebelesi Eze, Victor Gokeres and Noni Madueke strengthened the squad, albeit at great expense.

Arteta’s side had the highest net spending in the Premier League last summer, having spent nearly £1bn since Arteta took over in 2019.

“We have improved the quality and size of our team, and now we need to maximize it,” he said.

“The number of games we finished with our finishers was really important. It was capital for us to be where we are. Now we need to continue to do that.”