Mikel Arteta has called on Arsenal to rediscover their hunger ahead of Fulham as the Gunners enter the final four matches of a tense Premier League title race.

Mikel Arteta has wasted no time shifting Arsenal’s focus back to domestic duty after their draining UEFA Champions League semi-final draw, insisting his side remain fully locked in on winning the Premier League title. 

The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw by Atletico Madrid in midweek, but there is little room for reflection as Saturday’s meeting with Fulham now carries enormous significance in the title race.

Arsenal have spent much of the season setting the pace, yet what once looked like a commanding push towards glory has become an increasingly nervy battle. Manchester City’s relentless consistency has reduced the margin for error to virtually zero, with Pep Guardiola’s side sitting just three points behind and still holding a game in hand.

Speaking ahead of the Fulham clash, the Spaniard repeatedly emphasized the need for hunger, hunger to compete, hunger to dominate, and hunger to stay alive in the Premier League title race.

The Arsenal manager made it clear that this pressure is precisely what his players should embrace. With only four league matches left, the Gunners remain in the position they dreamed of occupying when the season began: top of the table with destiny still in their own hands, at least on paper. Yet Arteta also understands that one careless afternoon could undo months of excellent work and hand City complete control of the race.

There are concerns on the team news front, however, with injuries threatening to complicate Arsenal’s final sprint. 

Kai Havertz has been ruled out of the Fulham encounter after sustaining a knock against Newcastle, while Jurrien Timber also remains unavailable. Havertz’s absence is particularly frustrating given his importance in recent weeks, with the German becoming one of Arsenal’s most productive and tactically flexible attacking players during the run-in.

Arteta admitted Havertz has been a huge miss, but hinted there is optimism that the forward could return in time for the second leg against Atletico Madrid.

Fulham, meanwhile, arrive at the Emirates with ambitions of their own. Sitting 10th but only a handful of points off the European places, Marco Silva’s side are still chasing a potential continental finish and have enough quality to punish any lack of intensity from the hosts.