Mikel Arteta has doubled down on his comments that Arsenal have been the best team in the Premier League over the last few years, despite missing out on the title the last two seasons.
The Gunners managed to narrowly stay in 2022-23 and 2023-24, despite spending large parts of the table with Manchester City.
This season, they sit four points behind leaders Liverpool, but the statistics still show that they have outperformed their challengers.
Arteta said: “If you refer to the numbers, they say we are the best team in the league, but in reality we haven't won the league, so we still need to do better.
“We're playing to win and that's what we want to be. The pressure comes from within. You have to survive to be the best you can be.”
Liverpool's poor form this season under Arne Slot has left Arsenal with little room for error.
“Tomorrow night we will try to do as well as we can, That's the purpose.
“They are a really good side. So last season they beat us and when we played at Villa Park they proved that they are very tough opponents. So we will prepare our best to win.
North London derby win.
After disappointing cup results against Newcastle and Manchester United, Arsenal breathed new life into their Premier League season with a win over rivals Tottenham in the north London derby on Wednesday.
After the 2-1 win, the Spanish manager said: “I like the attitude of the team, when we have a good time in front of our people, the atmosphere is bright, but we go on to the next game, it's a big game.”
The Gunners beat Liverpool after Slot's side were held to a 1-1 draw by surprise top-four challengers Nottingham Forest.
Arteta added: “It's always important when we can take other teams' points and exploit them.” Always a great week! The first is because we won. Second, because the rest is not what they want.
“We need a lot of that right now because we're where we are. You need to be very focused to understand that what you want to do will be challenging.
Arteta: Emery is a great coach.
Former Arsenal boss Unai Emery's 2-0 defeat to rivals Aston Villa on Saturday ultimately proved costly for their title hopes, and Arteta knows the Gunners face another tough task at the Emirates.
He said, “They know the difficulties of the team members. That's why they perform so well.
“They have a good coach; Very good players. There are really good organizations and we are very familiar with that in the Premier League.
“Every three days isn't that different so we'll have to do really well to win the event tomorrow.”
Arsenal injury news
Arteta is Bukayo Saka; Gabriel Jesus Ethan Nwaneri and Califiori will be unavailable.
“We have a few decisions to make with the medical staff this afternoon as to whether he can play in this game or play again.” Arteta said.