Arsenal striker Leandro Trossard has admitted his side will need to be perfect in their quest for the Premier League title this season.
The Gunners are currently four points behind league leaders Liverpool who also have a game in hand. Last time out, Arsenal bounced back from a late setback at Brighton where they drew 1-1 to beat their north London rivals Tottenham 2-0.
First-placed Liverpool are also still without a win in the league as they had back-to-back draws against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest at the start of the year. However, Trossard believes the growing competitiveness of the league means Arsenal will need to remain at their best to stay in contention.
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“You have to be perfect every season,” Trossard said Sky Sports.
“Over the last four or five seasons it's been such a tight race. Everyone's competing, it's not just the teams at the top of the table, everyone's getting better every season, so it's getting more competitive.
“You have to be on your (A) game every game day. It's tough, but we just have to keep believing and be ourselves and we can accomplish something.”
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says the club remain 'active' in their pursuit of potential signings and have avoided the need for front-line support as they push for the Premier League title
Arsenal's efforts to win the title this season have not been helped by a growing list of injuries in attacking areas.
This week it was confirmed that Gabriel Jesus has suffered an ACL injury and will join Bukayo Saka on the sidelines. Despite the absences on offense, Trossard says he's ready to fill in when called upon.
“Injuries are a big blow for us. We know what Bukayo (Saka) has shown for the club and Gabriel Jesus has had a good run, those injuries are bad luck. Hopefully we can be ready in the meantime. to be ready.
“We've had to rotate some things because of injuries, so everyone gets their chance. Of course, I'm always happy (to fill in up front). I'm always ready to play any position on the field.”
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A look at Arsenal's best Premier League goals against Aston Villa, including screamers from Thierry Henry, Roberto Pires, Douglas Luiz and Ollie Watkins
Arsenal maintained their threat from set-pieces and held their own as the side that uses corners most effectively. Their prowess in taking corners has led to some criticism from observers who suggest the Gunners rely too much on set pieces. For Trossard, Arsenal is more than just a set-up.
“That's the part of our game that we're really good at,” he said Sky Sports.
“We want to be the best at everything, and that includes sets. We've shown consistency over the last few years and that's where you can decide the games. It's a big part of our game, but it's not the only part.
“We can also score from open play. I don't think there was too much reliance on corners. The point of view from outside will be like that, because we scored a lot of goals, but we don't think we can only score from set pieces. It's just an additional tool for us victory.
“I think everyone in the league would like this. We are really happy with this, obviously, we can achieve more, but at the end of the day, you have to be happy when you have wins in the Premier League.”
Watch Arsenal v Aston Villa, live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, from 5pm on Saturday.