Coach Mikel Arteta stated this Friday that Arsenal have been planning to compete for the Premier League title since before pre-season. The team is preparing for a clash considered decisive against Sunderland, which could extend the lead to nine points.
After three consecutive runners-up finishes, Arteta said he believed, before the start of the season, that Arsenal could end their title drought. The London club leads with a six-point lead over Manchester City.
In search of their first title since 2003-04, the coach stated that the squad remained united and ignored the pressure of the dispute, adopting the strategy of advancing “day by day”.
“Before the start of pre-season, we started to prepare everything with the intention of being where we are and making sure the players are convinced that we are going to achieve that,” Arteta told reporters.
“Then it’s day by day, that’s all… I don’t like to compare (with previous casts). It’s an incredible group and they’re doing an excellent job so far.”
“We are so excited and privileged to have each other. Let’s enjoy it until the last day of the season.”
Well trained Sunderland
Before that, they face a test that Arteta classified as tough against Sunderland, eighth placed after accessing the elite last season.
Sunderland, led by Régis Le Bris, have drawn with , City and champions Liverpool this season and are unbeaten at home in 12 games.
“We do what we have to do. It’s going to be a very difficult game. They’ve had an incredible campaign all season. We know the complexity of the match,” said Arteta.
“They are extremely competitive, very well coached. They have good players and a clear identity of what they want to do and where they want to take the game, and they execute that very well. The results against the top teams show that. We know what to expect and we need to deliver tomorrow.”
Saka improves, but still doesn’t return
Arteta said that Bukayo Saka’s hip has improved, but the player is not yet ready to return. Captain Martin Odegaard remains out due to inconvenience, while full-back Jurrien Timber is able to play.
The team is also without midfielder Mikel Merino, who will be out for months following surgery for a fractured foot, a situation that Arteta called “a big blow”.
The Spaniard has an offensive presence and has already played as a center forward in times of injury crisis.
“Mikel offers something different to the team but he will be out for months so we need to support him and keep him connected to the group,” said Arteta.
“He can still add a lot to the players and the coaching staff and remain present.”
