Margins are ‘so small’ in EPL title race, says Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

LONDON – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta knows that his team must not slip up at this crucial stage of the English Premier League season, but he insisted he is not thinking about the title race yet.

The task is clear – beat West Ham United at home on Feb 22 and move within five points of leaders Liverpool (61), before the Reds travel to Manchester City a day later.

Despite their injuries in attack, the Gunners defeated Leicester City 2-0 last weekend thanks to a brace from midfielder Mikel Merino, while the Hammers lost 1-0 to Brentford in front of their fans.

When asked about the title race on Feb 21, Arteta said: “There’s still a lot to play for and you can see how difficult it is for everybody to win football matches. The margins are so small, and everything counts.”

With 13 matches left of the season and Liverpool having played a game more, the Arsenal boss was further pressed on whether he believes that his team can finally win their first English title since 2003.

He added: “Ifs in football, I don’t like them. Whatever is in our hands, let’s do it. I’m obsessed with doing everything that I can.”

It remains to be seen if Arteta will be tempted to play Merino as a striker, or stick to Leandro Trossard leading the attack like the Belgian forward did against Leicester.

Arteta gave a vague answer, saying: “I think every time you play a player, you’re betting on that player.”

Merino came off the bench to score his two goals in the final 10 minutes, so he could be used only when the team are finding it difficult to break down West Ham.

Arsenal are aiming to win their fourth Premier League match in a row, and are favourites to do so playing at the Emirates Stadium – Arteta’s men are the only side in the league with their unbeaten home record for the season intact.

The Gunners also beat the Hammers 5-2 and 6-0 in their last two league fixtures, but West Ham won this exact same fixture 2-0 last season.

Arteta still has concerns in attack, as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli remain out until after the March international break. Gabriel Jesus is out for the season, while Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has also joined the Brazilian forward following surgery on a knee problem.

West Ham, meanwhile, are struggling in 16th in the table but at least they have a 10-point buffer over the relegation zone.

However, Graham Potter’s men have collected just four points from their last seven league matches, with five of them ending in defeat. Should results not improve, they are likely to be dragged into a demotion dogfight.

“There’s always more work to do, and always room for improvement,” said the Hammers boss.

“I realised before, and now, that it’s a huge club with great support, ambition and infrastructure. Obviously we’ve had a tricky situation with changing manager, the results and everything else. Results-wise we need to improve.

“There’s been a change in intensity and behaviour in how we play, which has been positive.”