Mikel Arteta sent ‘tough’ warning with Arsenal stars given crucial message

Mikel Arteta has been warned he has “no option” but to win the Premier League this season as Arsenal boss, with the Gunners currently top of the table

Former Arsenal striker Paul Dickov believes this is a “crucial season” for Mikel Arteta as the Gunners bid to avoid a fourth successive second-place finish.

Over the past three seasons, Arsenal have fallen short of three consecutive Premier League titles by a combined total of 17 points. Their nearest miss came in 2023/24, when they finished just two points behind Manchester City.

Arteta understands what winning the Premier League demands, having secured two titles whilst serving under Pep Guardiola at City. Now, the 43-year-old must work out how to deliver that triumph to Arsenal.

He has already brought silverware to north London, lifting the FA Cup in 2020. Yet having constructed a fresh squad with updated tactics and a contemporary philosophy, another trophy would certainly carry far greater significance for Arteta.

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Arsenal lead the Premier League table with a four-point advantage over City, whilst they remain amongst just three undefeated teams in the Champions League. However, following repeated near-misses, Dickov has debated whether the squad might start questioning themselves.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Best Betting Bonuses, he said: “It’s a difficult one because I know Mikel very well, but he’ll know himself there is pressure.

“I don’t necessarily think he needs to win the Premier League or Champions League, but I do think he’ll need to do well in one or both of them, and then maybe pick up a domestic trophy.

“I think they’ve been good for the last couple of seasons without actually winning anything. I think it’s imperative for Mikel that they do actually work hard and produce something this season, because if they don’t win something this year after that level of investment, it’ll be tough.

“The players have got to show how good they are and it’s not an option not to win anything. I think it’s a pretty crucial season for Arsenal.”

One factor that could hinder Arsenal’s prospects is fitness concerns.

Multiple crucial stars are presently out injured, including Gabriel, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus.

It’s hardly the injury list Arteta would have desired going into a packed December fixture list.

The Gunners emerge from the international break facing a massive match – the opening north London derby of the campaign.

Arteta will be hoping to get some of his wounded players back before Sunday’s showdown with Tottenham.

Arsenal will then host Bayern Munich at the Emirates in the Champions League before making the trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea.

Regarding their title competitors City, both teams are scheduled to clash once more in April following their 1-1 stalemate in the previous meeting this campaign.

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