Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says his squad are in the perfect mental state for the final weeks of the season.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes his players are entering the final stretch of the season with confidence and positivity after recovering strongly from what once looked like a campaign in danger of collapsing.
Just a few weeks ago, Arsenal were reeling from a painful League Cup final defeat to Manchester City and an FA Cup quarter-final exit against Championship side Southampton. Their hopes of winning multiple trophies appeared to be fading quickly, while City also briefly overtook them in the Premier League title race.
However, the mood around the club has shifted dramatically following a strong response on the pitch. Arsenal have won four of their last five matches in all competitions, reclaimed control of the title race and also booked their place in the Champions League final, where they will face defending champions Paris Saint-Germain.
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Speaking ahead of Monday’s crucial home clash against Burnley, Arteta insisted the atmosphere within the squad is exactly where he wants it to be. The Spaniard praised the mentality and energy levels of his players, saying the team are fully focused on the present moment and motivated by the opportunity to finish the season strongly.
Arteta also highlighted the boost of having several players returning from injury at such a critical stage of the campaign. While Arsenal suffered a setback with Ben White picking up a long-term injury, the manager pointed out that other important squad members are gradually becoming available again ahead of the final weeks.
White’s absence has created a fresh headache for Arteta at right-back, particularly with Jurrien Timber also unavailable. Arsenal are now short of natural options in that area, forcing the manager to consider alternative solutions as the pressure intensifies in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Despite those concerns, Arteta remains confident his side can adapt. He noted that Arsenal have repeatedly dealt with injury problems throughout the season and still managed to maintain consistency and strong performances. According to the Arsenal boss, the squad’s ability to cope with adversity has been one of the defining features of their campaign.
Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League table with 79 points from 36 matches, two ahead of Manchester City, although Pep Guardiola’s side still possess a superior goal difference. Arteta acknowledged that scoring goals could prove decisive if the title race comes down to fine margins, but stressed that Arsenal’s immediate focus remains on securing victories first before worrying about the mathematics of goal difference.
