10.4.2026
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called on his players and supporters of the club to gear up for Saturday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth.
According to Arteta it is a big day, players must show up and supporters be at their shouting best as Arsenal need to win and keep Manchester City at bay in the title chase. The Gunners are nine points ahead of City, who are at 61 points and must win at Chelsea on Sunday to keep pressure on the table toppers.
Asked how important it would be to move further ahead of City, Arteta told reporters on Friday: “The closer we get, the relevance and importance of the match increases, obviously, and tomorrow is a big day for us.
“The players know it, our supporters know it, it’s early kick-off, so get up early, have an early breakfast, bring your lunch, bring your dinner, as you say in England, and let’s go all together for it because it has to be a big day.”
The Gunners are chasing a first English title in 22 years, as well as their maiden Champions League crown.
And Arteta is convinced that they can finish the season with both trophies, which would finally end their six-year silverware drought since lifting the FA Cup.
“First of all, the capacity we have as a club and as a team, the will to win,” Arteta said to explain his belief.
“We recognise the opportunity ahead and we are going to do our best to achieve it.”
Arteta’s Arsenal contract expires in 2027, and the Spaniard remains fully committed to the club after reports of talks over a new deal.
“There’s no news on that. We have no time to discuss that now. The full focus is on what we have to do from here until the end of the season,” he said.
“I am fully committed and really happy and I feel good. My family is good and I still have so much ambition to do with this football club, and for now we are in a good place.
“This job is about the present and what you do on the day. Give your very best and feel that you are the person that can lead and inspire the group to achieve great things for the club.” With AFP reports