Mikel Arteta has called on his Arsenal squad to fall in love with the clamor and the expectations that come with competing in both the Premier League and the Champions League. He believes that by adopting this mindset the Gunners can edge ever closer to ending a 22‑year wait for a top‑flight trophy when they face Fulham on Sky Sports.
A victory against Fulham would see Arsenal pull six points clear of second‑placed Manchester City in the Saturday Night Football showdown, although Guardiola’s side still have two games in hand, the next of which is against Everton on Monday night, also televised live on Sky. Earlier in the campaign Arsenal enjoyed a nine‑point cushion at the summit, but a dip in form during April allowed City to close the gap, turning the title chase into a genuine head‑to‑head battle.
Critics have been quick to suggest that Arsenal are once again "bottling" a title challenge after finishing runners‑up for three consecutive seasons. When Sky Sports asked Arteta how he wants his players to behave during these decisive weeks, the manager’s answer was simple: "I tell them to love it." "If you aim to win the Premier League and the Champions League, you have to accept that you will lose some matches and that opponents will try to tear you apart.
That's the reality," he said. "Do you want to be there?
Love being there. When you win, relish it. When you lose, or when you have an off‑day – and there will be games where you misplace the ball – love that too.
It will make you stronger." Arteta stressed that there is no alternative if a club wants to sit at the very top of the sport: "People are waiting for you, it’s normal, it’s natural. There will only be one champion.
If anyone thinks otherwise, they simply don’t understand the game." When asked about handling the stress of a title race, the Arsenal boss explained that he only pays attention to criticism from those who genuinely want the best for the club. He dismissed any other opinions as irrelevant.
"During my playing days I never read so much, especially from people who didn’t have the club’s interests at heart," Arteta admitted. "If someone who cares about the team offers an opinion, I’m open to it and I can be ruthless in my response. It may be painful, but it brings growth." He added, "The key is to feel that the person is sincere and wants what’s best for the squad and the club.
If the criticism is simply meant to damage you without purpose, then it’s not worth my time." The title race is now razor‑thin, and if both Arsenal and City win their remaining fixtures the championship could be decided on goal difference. Arteta, however, has placed particular emphasis on the upcoming Fulham match, insisting that a win would bring the Gunners "very, very close" to the silverware.
"Against Newcastle we had five games left – that was game one. Now we’re on game two. If we win this one, we get incredibly close to the trophy.
That’s what drives us," Arteta explained. "It’s our own marathon, a series of five races. The first is finished, now it’s time for the second.
You picture the moment, you understand its significance – win the next and you’re right in the hunt." Arteta also spoke about the broader psychological approach required to thrive under pressure. He believes that embracing both the highs and the lows creates a resilient mindset that can withstand the inevitable setbacks of a long season. By encouraging his players to view criticism as a tool for improvement rather than a personal attack, he hopes to foster a culture where every challenge is met with determination and optimism. The manager highlighted the importance of preparation and focus ahead of the Fulham fixture.
He noted that the team has been working on tactical flexibility, set‑piece efficiency, and maintaining composure in tight moments. "We’ve drilled scenarios where we might lose possession early or face a strong defensive block.
The players know they must stay calm, keep the pressure, and trust the process," Arteta said. He also mentioned the role of the fans, urging them to continue supporting the team regardless of the result. "The atmosphere at the Emirates is a massive factor. When the crowd sings and backs us, it lifts the players.
Whether we win or lose, the fans’ passion fuels our ambition." Looking ahead, Arteta acknowledged that the final stretch of the season will test the squad’s depth. Injuries, fatigue, and the mental toll of competing on multiple fronts will require careful rotation and strategic planning. "We have a talented group, but we need to manage minutes wisely.
Young players will get opportunities, and the experienced core must lead by example," he explained. In summary, Arteta’s message to his Arsenal side is clear: embrace the pressure, love every minute of the journey, and use both triumphs and setbacks as stepping stones toward the ultimate goal of lifting the Premier League trophy for the first time since 2004. The upcoming clash with Fulham is not just another game; it is a pivotal moment that could bring Arsenal within striking distance of ending a two‑decade‑long wait for top‑flight glory.