Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made a bold promise to fans, insisting his team will not give up on the Premier League title despite falling 11 points behind leaders Liverpool. The Gunners’ 1-0 defeat to West Ham on Saturday was a setback, but Arteta’s message was clear: Arsenal will fight until the end.
“Over my dead body,” Arteta said when asked if Arsenal would abandon their title hopes. “Mathematically, it’s possible. You are there, you have to play every game. The difficulty is higher than three days ago, but if you want to win the Premier League, you have to do something special.”
Arsenal, who have a game in hand over Liverpool, are set to face Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. The match is a crucial opportunity for the Gunners to close the gap on Liverpool, who have lost just once this season. The game will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Arteta acknowledged the challenge ahead, especially with key players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli still sidelined. The Gunners will also be without defender Myles Lewis-Skelly, who received a red card against West Ham. This was Arsenal’s fifth red card of the season, two more than any other Premier League side.
“It’s a big problem, not about discipline,” Arteta said. “A lot of factors have contributed to that. In terms of the different kinds of red cards we had, we need to manage it better.”
The Arsenal boss also defended captain Martin Odegaard, who has struggled to replicate last season’s form. The Norwegian midfielder, who scored eight goals last campaign, has managed just two this season.
“His attitude and willingness with 10 men, how he takes responsibility and drives the team, is remarkable,” Arteta said. “That’s what I demand from the players — that will to continue to make things happen.”
Looking ahead, Arsenal’s management is already planning for the summer transfer window. The club is reportedly eyeing Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and exploring options to strengthen their attack and secure a backup goalkeeper.
Since Edu’s departure as sporting director in November, the Gunners have been operating with Jason Ayto in an interim role. While Ayto is seen as a strong candidate for the permanent position, former players Per Mertesacker and Tomas Rosicky have also been linked to the role.
Arteta remained tight-lipped about the appointment process, stating, “The club is doing all the processes that we believe are the best, trying to find the person that is the best one for the moment that Arsenal is right now.”
For now, Arsenal’s focus remains on the Premier League. With Champions League qualification still in reach, Arteta knows every game counts. He emphasized the need for his team to push forward, regardless of recent setbacks.
“It was a very disappointing weekend,” Arteta admitted. “We have to get back to it. There are so many games to play.”
Arsenal fans will hope that Arteta’s fighting spirit translates to performances on the pitch. The race may look difficult, but with their manager’s unwavering belief, the Gunners are not ready to give up just yet.
