Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued a defiant message, insisting that he will not give up on the Premier League title “over his dead body.”
The Gunners’ chances of catching leaders Liverpool took a blow after a 1-0 loss to West Ham United, but Arteta remains resolute.
Arteta’s Fighting Spirit
Despite being 11 points adrift of Liverpool, Arteta believes that his team can still mount a challenge for the title.
“If somebody tells you at the start of the season that you’ll have played five times with a red card, over half an hour in each of them, and you’ve lost this
amount of players, what’s the bet you are in the middle of the table at least, and you’re out of the Champions League?” Arteta said.
Injury Update: Ethan Nwaneri
Arteta also provided an update on the fitness of 17-year-old winger Ethan Nwaneri, who limped out of Saturday’s derby.
“Ethan was just cramping, obviously his load has been very different in recent weeks, but he’s fine,” Arteta said.
Nwaneri is expected to be available for selection for Wednesday’s match against Nottingham Forest.
Martinelli and Saka Injury Update
Arteta also provided an update on the fitness of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, who are both sidelined with injuries.
“Bukayo and Gabi are progressing really well but are still a bit far from coming back,” Arteta said.
Arsenal’s Title Hopes
While Arsenal’s title hopes may seem slim, Arteta is drawing inspiration from the club’s past successes.
In 1998, Arsenal came from 12 points behind Manchester United to win the Premier League title. “Mathematically it’s possible,” Arteta said.
“You are there, you have to play every game. Suddenly three days ago we could close the gap and you are one and a half games away, it doesn’t matter, we have to continue to go.”
