Arteta doubles down on claims that Arsenal have been ‘the best team in the league’ for the past two seasons

Mikel Arteta has doubled down on his comments that Arsenal have been the “best team” in the Premier League for the last few years despite missing out on the title in the last two seasons.

The Gunners spent the majority of the campaign in 2022–23 and 2023–24 despite being top of the table by Manchester City.

This season, they are currently four points behind Liverpool with one more game to play, but the stats still show that they have outplayed their challengers.

Arteta said: “If we refer to the statistics, the statistics say we are the best team in the league but the reality is we didn’t win the league so we still need to improve and be better.

“We’re playing to win and that’s where we want to be. Pressure comes from within. You have to thrive to be the best you can be.”

Liverpool’s tremendous form this season under Arne Slott has left little margin for error for Arsenal in their attack.

“We’ll try to be as good as possible tomorrow night, that’s the aim.

“They’re a really good side, that’s why they beat us last season and also proved when we played at Villa Park that they’re very tough opponents, so we’ll prepare as best we can to win.

North London derby win

After disappointing results in the cup against Newcastle and Manchester United, Arsenal breathed new life into their Premier League campaign with victory over rivals Tottenham in the North London derby on Wednesday.

On that 2-1 win, the Spanish manager said: “I liked the attitude the team played with, a great occasion in front of our people, the atmosphere was brilliant but we move forward, it’s a big game.”

The Gunners edged Liverpool after a 1-1 draw with surprise top-four challengers Nottingham Forest in the slot.

Arteta added: It is always important when we are able to win and other teams drop points. It’s always a great week, firstly because we win, and secondly because it’s not what everyone else wanted.

“We need more of that at the moment because of where we are. We need to be very focused to realize that what we want to do will be a challenge.

Arteta: Emery is a great coach

A 2-0 defeat to Saturday’s opponents, managed by former Arsenal boss Unai Emery, ultimately proved costly for their title hopes last season and Arteta knows the Gunners face another tough task at the Emirates.

He said: “We know what the team is struggling with, that’s why they are doing so well.

“They have a great coach, very good players, a really good organization and we are very used to that in the Premier League.

“It’s not too different every three days so tomorrow we’ve got to be really good to win the game again.”