Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said they are not going to give up in the race for the Premier League title after a defeat at the hands of Manchester City dealt a further blow to the Gunners’ hopes of lifting the trophy.
Manchester City welcomed Arsenal to the Etihad Stadium in their most recent fixture in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta had played down suggestions that the game was a potential Premier League title decider.
Manchester City cruised to a 4-1 win over Arsenal in that game. Despite the defeat, Arsenal continues to occupy the first place in the Premier League table. But their lead at the top has been cut short to two points. Arsenal have 75 points from 33 games while Manchester City have 73 points from 31 games.
Manchester City have two games in hand over Arsenal, which means Pep Guardiola and co. have the Premier League title destiny in their own hands.
Mikel Arteta: Arsenal were beaten by the better team
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Speaking after Arsenal slumped to a disappointing defeat to Manchester City, Mikel Arteta admitted they were beaten by the better team.
“We were beaten by the better team, that’s for sure,” Mikel Arteta told BT Sport [via 90min]. “[Man City] were exceptional and when that’s the case, it’s extremely difficult to reach that level and we were no way near our level. When you open that gap against them, you get punished.
“You have to compete and win your duels, and all the very basic things – we didn’t do them in the first half. We were punished and could have been even more punished.”
Even if Arsenal win all the remainder of their games in the Premier League this season, a title win is not guaranteed for them. The Gunners’ title hopes now also depend on Manchester City dropping points in the league.
Mikel Arteta is refusing to give up in the Premier League title race and insisted that anything can happen.
“It’s very difficult after the way we lost, but we have to stand up, look at the bigger picture, and the fact that we are competing toe to toe with [Man City] is incredible,” Carlo Ancelotti said.
“We are not going to give up. There are five games to go and, in this league, anything can happen.”
