Arsenal Football Club head coach Mikel Arteta has categorically stated that his side, based on their performance in the current 2025/26 season, has the right to come out victorious as they face rivals Manchester City in what is arguably a title decider on Sunday afternoon, News.ng reports.
The race to Premier League glory momentarily slipped out of Arsenal’s hands after a devastating 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth last Saturday, giving City an advantage with a six-point gap.
Speaking to journalists on Friday ahead of Sunday’s clash, Arteta emphatically said his side is prepared to win.
According to him, there is no room to think about drawing with City, but rather to win at all costs.
He said, “We have earned the right to be in this position, to be challenging and with the possibility to win and the opportunity to win on Sunday, arguably against the best team and the best manager that this league has ever seen. That’s a huge privilege, and we cannot wait to play the game. We’re going to prepare the game to win it, that’s for sure, and we see that as a big opportunity for us.
“We’re not going to spend one second talking about that [drawing]. We prepare every game to win, that’s where we are, and we’re going to continue to do the same.”
While acknowledging the strength of their opponents, City, the Arsenal boss noted that his team will continue playing with the same style they have maintained since the start of the season.
On the team’s mentality going into Sunday’s game, Arteta emphasised the importance of being at their best, which is crucial to every preparation.
“I mean, our team has to give us every tool, every element that we need to go and win it. We will have a very, very strong opponent; we know that in front of us. We’ve been doing it for nine months in every context, we have played a lot of games against them, and we know what we have to do.
“I think the mentality is a big part of that. I mean, everything plays a part in a match. Technique as well, obviously, because without that, there is nothing. But there is obviously a huge part to play in that sense, and we have improved a lot in that area. We will have to show it on Sunday again, that’s for sure,” he added.
