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Arteta Wants to Fight Liverpool To the Season End

By on January 21, 2025

Alexander Isak Newcastle

Fortune might not be spinning in Arsenals’s favour once again as their back-to-back losses seem to frustrate the fans with Arsenal tickets who believed that their side could rival Liverpool to the title in the second half of the season. 

Arsenal, currently second, is six points behind Liverpool, who has a game in hand. Arsenal might find it difficult to make a point over the Reds, but Gunners’ manager Arteta is confident of making it work. 

Arteta Confident of a Fight Back 

Mikel Arteta believes his Arsenal side should have two Premier League titles to their name, given the standards they have reached in recent seasons. The reality that they are empty-handed gives the Gunners boss faith that his team can catch Liverpool.

Arteta’s Arsenal spent the previous two seasons competing with Manchester City at the top, hitting 84 and 89 points but having to settle for the runners-up medal on both occasions.

This season, City is out of the picture, but Liverpool go into what looks like a pivotal weekend at the top of the Premier League table with a six-point advantage and a game in hand. 

Asked by Sky Sports’ Natalie Gedra on how to block out the noise that suggests Arsenal are too far away from the summit this season, Arteta replied: “Winning and performing the way we are today, regardless of what happens with the team and focusing on the things we can control every single day – paying attention to that.

“Because what can Liverpool do? We were in that position. Two years ago, we had 50 points in the first leg, but we didn’t manage to win the league. It can happen to any team; it’s so tough.

“We are only halfway, and already what amount of talking have we expensed for weeks and weeks about the title race? It’s nonsense.

“Because there are a lot of games to play, and in this league, it can be one, two, or three [results], and everything changes. We have to be ready.”

Asked what Arteta has learned from the last two seasons, he responded: “That you can always do better and improve. With those numbers, you normally win, and we should have two Premier Leagues.

“The reality is we don’t, so there’s more motivation, eagerness, and enthusiasm to say: can we still look at our team and say we can be better?

Whether Arsenal signs a forward player between now and the end of this January transfer window could be crucial for the Gunners’ hopes of reaching the top of the Premier League by the end of May. 

Fans with Arsenal tickets have rallied on this ever since Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang’s exit, but the management has not made a suitable pick. 

The north Londoners’ need for extra firepower was further heightened by a long-term injury to Bukayo Saka, whose hamstring injury before Christmas will rule him out for over two months.

“Naturally, it happens,” said Arteta about the constant transfer window questions at this time of year.

“There’s the opportunity to improve the squad and bring players you believe can impact. We are always open to that.

“But that’s one part. The main part is: How can we get more out of the team and the individuals we have and put the focus there?”

One figure stepping into the breach in Saka’s absence is Ethan Nwaneri. The 17-year-old became Arsenal’s third-youngest starter in Premier League history when he began the 3-1 comeback win over Brentford on New Year’s Day.

The teenager started on Saka’s right-wing position and played a big part in Arsenal’s third goal—Arteta believes Nwaneri has the personality to play regularly for his team.

While the fans believe that the youngster is the pick for the future, they also think that a professional striker must make it work in 2025. 

Arsenal’s Alexander Isak Deal Halted 

According to reports, Arsenal has ‘dealt a blow’ as they will struggle to sign Newcastle United star Alexander Isak unless there’s one change.

The Gunners have struggled in attack this season, and they are crying out for a new striker as Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are underperforming.

Mikel Arteta has been warned that these two players could “cost him his job” if the Gunners do not sign an upgrade, but they are expected to bring in a new forward at some point this year.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres are among the forwards linked with Arsenal but are also understood to admire Isak.

The Swedish international has emerged as one of the best strikers in Europe. He’s been phenomenal for Newcastle this season, scoring 15 goals and four assists in 22 appearances.

Isak exposed Arsenal as he sparkled in Newcastle’s 2-0 win at the Emirates in the Carabao Cup in midweek, and he’s been described as Arteta’s ‘dream’ target. Those with Arsenal tickets are also desperately rallying for this. 

Despite this, a new report from The Daily Mail reveals owner Stan Kroenke is ‘doubtful’ to sign Isak this year as his current ‘focus is on outgoings’.

It’s reported that signing Isak would require a ‘British record’ offer, and Arsenal ‘would not be able to afford’ such a fee.

Regarding possible exits, Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Thomas Partey are three players expected to move on this month or in the summer.

The report claims Arsenal will only move for Isak if there is one change:

‘We understand the Gunners will listen to offers for striker Gabriel Jesus come the end of the season, and Oleksandr Zinchenko could go this month. Thomas Partey’s £150,000-a-week wage will also be removed when his contract expires in June.

‘While Arsenal do not have any worries about complying with Profit and Sustainability Rules, they still have to stay within them. And, for now, that means a move for Isak is being played down by sources close to the club.

‘Manager Mikel Arteta is said to be a massive fan of the 25-year-old and former sporting director Edu, who left the club in November, was also an admirer. Isak’s camp is thought to be aware of Arsenal’s interest. But unless there is a significant departure from the Emirates Stadium, we have been told not to expect an offer this summer.

‘Newcastle sources insist there is no asking price for a player they want to keep at St James’ Park, but it would almost certainly take a fee over the British record £115m Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo if he were to leave.’

Arsenal tickets are now available for sale.