Arteta says next few games could define Arsenal's season

Arsenal hosts leader Manchester City on Sunday and is only six points behind Liverpool

Published : Feb 20, 2021 12:15 IST

Arteta was part of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City coaching staff before becoming the Gunners manager in December 2019. - REUTERS
Arteta was part of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City coaching staff before becoming the Gunners manager in December 2019. - REUTERS
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Arteta was part of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City coaching staff before becoming the Gunners manager in December 2019. - REUTERS

Arsenal has little margin for error in its pursuit of a European spot and its upcoming fixtures present an opportunity to bridge the gap to the Premier League's (EPL) top six sides, manager Mikel Arteta said.

"It could define our season if we are unable to close the gaps to them, but it can create momentum for us if we can get closer to them," Arteta told reporters.

"We know the margin for error is minimal with the season that we have had in previous months, so we need to kick on," he added.

Only six points separate 10th-placed Arsenal from Liverpool, which is sixth.

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Arteta's side hosts leader Manchester City on Sunday before playing third-placed Leicester City, with games against Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and champion Liverpool also lined up.

The former midfielder-turned- manager said his side was embracing the challenge of facing City, which heads into Sunday's clash on a 17-match winning streak.

"I think they are the best team in Europe at the moment," he said.

"The way they're performing, the football they're playing and their consistent results. What they've done is react to difficult moments. A big team has to be able to do that. When everyone was doubting their ability to be able to compete again, they reacted in a really convincing way.

"They have weaknesses like every team but at the moment teams have struggled a lot to find any of them... We have a big and a very exciting challenge ahead of us on Sunday," he added.

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