Mikel Arteta warns Arsenal players as Gunners look to chase down Liverpool

Mikel Arteta has acknowledged that Arsenal must strive for near perfection to surpass Liverpool in the Premier League title race.

The Gunners, set to face West Ham this Saturday, are currently fourth in the standings, trailing leader Arne Slot’s team by nine points after a stretch of four league matches without victory before their win against Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Following improved performances, including a 1-1 draw at Chelsea and a resounding 5-1 Champions League triumph over Sporting Lisbon, Arteta was asked if the north Londoners will need to be perfect to outdo Liverpool.

He responded: “If they continue then that’s for sure, with the numbers they’re producing and the amount of games they’re winning.

“The focus is on us to maintain the consistency especially and performances that will give us the right to win games, keep the availability in the squad. This is a long run.

“Winning lifts the energy and our confidence up. We’ve had two big wins for us and now it’s about consistency and getting that momentum, take it further against a good opponent tomorrow and try to replicate the performance to win the game.”

The Gunners’ recent upswing coincides with the return of captain Martin Odegaard, who missed 12 matches due to an ankle injury.

Arteta has heaped praise on Arsenal’s Norway international for his contributions since returning to the starting line-up, with the club unbeaten in their last three matches, including a standout performance in Lisbon.

“The way he prepares himself, how much work he put in with the physio to be in the best possible condition in the most important part of the season we’re in at the moment,” Arteta said when quizzed about Odegaard’s stellar form post-injury.

“He was exceptional since the Chelsea game and has consistency in the last few games.

“Good players who are consistent and reliable, that take their game to the next level and improve the level of the players around him, that’s a huge quality of Martin and he’s been missed.”

Looking forward to the weekend’s match, Arteta also expressed admiration for West Ham’s boss Julen Lopetegui, whose side came off a recent 2-0 win against Newcastle. “I know him, we are friends, I have huge admiration for him,” Arteta remarked.

He added that he shares a regional connection with Lopetegui, as both are from northern Spain, and recognised West Ham as formidable opponents bolstered by their latest 2-0 triumph at St James’ Park.