Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to fight for second place in Premier League title race

Mikel Arteta has called on his Arsenal side to battle for second place in the Premier League this season, stating: “If you can’t be the best, at least aim to be the second best.”

Arsenal have fallen 15 points behind leaders Liverpool in the race for the Premier League title after a run of three games without a win.

A victory for Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday would see them close the gap to just three points behind Arsenal.

“They are contenders to finish second. I think from the moment I was playing pre-season and understanding how Enzo works and the talent that they have in the squad, in my opinion, they were contenders to even win it from the beginning because they have so much there,” Arteta said.

“I think they can compete with any team. How many teams are now competing for second? A lot. There are still games to go.”

Arsenal will face a tough run of fixtures in the coming weeks, and their final position could hinge on key results against top-four rivals.

Arteta stated that the remaining games will be crucial in evaluating what is needed for another title challenge next season.

“We’re going to really have to think hard to understand ‘okay what is missing, what is really working and how we’re going to now make the next step’,” he said.