2025-12-16 12:02:33

Mikel Arteta thinks Arsenal have “gone to another level” this season, but has stressed only near-perfection will finally deliver the Premier League title.

The Gunners have topped the table since October and are chasing a first league crown since 2004 after finishing second in each of the last three campaigns, and while Arteta believes Arsenal have moved up a gear, the manager has stressed their good form needs to continue if they are to secure glory.

Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “We’ve gone to another level this season. Last season, at times, we had 13 or 14 outfield players competing [for places].

“It’s not enough, and we’ve gone and increased the numbers and certainly the quality and, within that, the versatility of this team.”

Arteta has overseen a squad refresh that has strengthened Arsenal’s depth and flexibility, with summer signings including Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi, winger Noni Madueke and Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres adding quality across the pitch.

Despite once again dealing with injuries to key players, Arsenal have remained top of the Premier League and Champions League, underlining their consistency.

Arteta said he believes the balance of the squad has improved significantly, allowing The Gunners to cope better with absences.

He explained: “We’ve added pieces we didn’t have that can complement each other in a really powerful way, and they have adapted really well.”

Arsenal’s underlying numbers support that confidence, as they have lost just twice in all competitions, boast the best defensive record in the Premier League and have been prolific in Europe – winning all six Champions League games so far while conceding only once.

However, Arteta stressed that past near-misses show how unforgiving the title race can be.

He said: “The manner that the team got hit with injuries in the most critical part of last season was massive.

“The year before, we scored the most goals in the history of Arsenal Football Club, conceded the least and still didn’t win the league. That’s the demands that we have.”

Arteta said he thinks those experiences explain why standards must remain relentlessly high.

He noted: “So almost everything has to be perfect in this league to give yourself the chance to win it. And now this season, again, we’re producing very strong numbers in all departments, and we need to continue to go for another six months.”

The Arsenal boss also pointed to the maturity of his squad, with players such as right winger Bukayo Saka, left winger Gabriel Martinelli and centre-back William Saliba all entering their peak years after developing together.

He said: “You can see the way the team competes and how the individuals have evolved and matured. That’s something that takes time, and that’s what we’ve been building.”

Arteta added that the presence of players with winning experience has helped sharpen belief.

He said: “At the end, we all know that unlocking the first big trophy is something psychologically very, very important, because when you have that belief that you can do it, and you’ve done it, and you have sensed the journey and the key things that you have to master to actually do it, I think it’s very important.

“And now we’re going to do it.”

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