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Mikel Arteta has acknowledged that Arsenal will need to maintain near-perfect performances to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool. The Gunners currently trail significantly, with Liverpool eight points clear at the top of the table after winning 10 of their 12 games.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Saturday clash with West Ham, Arteta emphasised the importance of consistency. “If they continue that way, that’s for sure, with the numbers they’re producing and the amount of games they’re winning,” he said.
Arsenal, who finished as runners-up to Manchester City for the past two seasons, have recently regained momentum. A commanding 5-1 Champions League victory over Sporting Lisbon followed a 3-0 Premier League win against Nottingham Forest, ending a four-game winless streak.
Arteta credited the return of captain Martin Odegaard for the team’s resurgence. Odegaard, who recently returned from a two-month ankle injury layoff, has been vital in Arsenal’s improved form. Arteta hailed him as exceptional, adding, “Good players that are so consistent and so reliable, that can take the game to a different level and make the players better around them — that’s a huge quality of Martin’s and he has been missed.”
Despite the gap, Arteta remains optimistic about the long campaign. A win at West Ham could temporarily lift Arsenal to second place, putting further pressure on Manchester City and Liverpool, who face off on Sunday in a crucial encounter.
