“Win, win, win”. No, this was not the sound of Mikel Arteta calling Arsenal’s club dog, Win, to heel, but a statement of what is required to get back into the title race. As the Premier League returns for the mad-dash festive schedule, Arsenal find themselves in an unfamiliar position given their last two seasons under Arteta: in fourth place after 11 games, nine points behind leaders Liverpool, there is significant ground to make up starting with Nottingham Forest – who have reason to believe they can further frustrate the Gunners.
As Arteta explained after the 1-1 draw at Chelsea before the international break, Arsenal expect Liverpool to keep winning under Arne Slot. Despite Manchester City’s four-game losing run, Arteta knows only too well that Pep Guardiola’s side should not be counted out. This season may be different to the past two in which Arsenal have finished runners-up, in that the champions may require less than 90 points, but Arteta is demanding another winning run from his team once the Premier League resumes.
