Mikel Arteta has been told he must upgrade Arsenal’s spine if they are to continue to compete with Manchester City.
After starting the season with aspirations of a top-four finish, the Gunners’ target quickly changed as they raced into a commanding position at the top of the Premier League table. Arsenal have sat at the summit for almost the entirety of the season, but with the finish line in sight, they have been reeled in by the reigning champions.
Wednesday night’s 4-1 defeat at the Etihad means that the gap at the top is just two points, although City have two games in hand and all the momentum to eventually supplant them. Arteta has refused to give up the ghost, but there is a growing sense of inevitability that Pep Guardiola will be lifting his fifth league trophy in seven seasons in the English top flight.
