Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has said he would have taken the side's current position if he was offered it last May and would take it again going into next season. The Gunners currently sit second in the Premier League, two points behind Manchester City with an extra game played.
It comes after a run of four games without a win, with three consecutive draws followed up by a 4-1 defeat to City at the Etihad Stadium. It means the title race is out of their hands in the final few weeks of the campaign, relying on results elsewhere to give them a chance.
Despite that, Arteta has claimed he would have taken this situation going into the year and would do the same next year. He told Sky Sports: "Yes - and I think next season we would do the same. We would take it next season, all of us, to be in the same position. That's why we cannot lose perspective.
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"A lot of people have done an incredible job to be in the position we are in now. With six games to go, we are already qualified for the Champions League. That hasn't happened in over a decade in this football club. We are the youngest team in the league.
"We are still upset [about the loss to Man City] and we are not accepting that. We want more. This is the best mantra we can have, to go for what we want and finish the season in the right way to try to win the Premier League."
While the manager appears satisfied with the progress, he has said he isn't just happy with where the side are and they can get back to winning trophies. He continued: "This is the most competitive league that I've seen in 22 years, without a question of doubt, and we are right in the mix.
"I'm very proud of the players and very proud of the club, and everybody who is contributing every single day to do what we do. But we still cannot accept where we are. We have to be better because the level is what it is.
"I've learned a lot in the last 10 months about the squad. The other day [against Man City] was more about the level that we can produce on the day, the level that we still have to raise on those occasions, and what is needed to win those matches. But as well to be proud of what the team has done and how we are coping, to stay there for 10 months toe to toe with them."
The summer transfer window could be key to close the gap to City, with some areas in need of further bodies. football.london understands Declan Rice is a top target for the Gunners, while Moises Caicedo and Mason Mount are also linked with a switch.
It remains to be seen if the north London outfit can strengthen and continue their form from this campaign, but it's the start of a huge project from Arteta and his staff.
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