Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has set a 90-point target for Arsenal to win the Premier League, meaning they can only afford two draws for the remainder of the season. Arsenal will have 94 points if they win their last 12 games and will face bottom-placed Sheffield United on Monday night.
Mikel Arteta's side will next face Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, as well as Chelsea and Aston Villa. In anticipating what it would take to win their first title since 2004, the Arsenal boss said they might need to play flawlessly.
I think anything below 90 is hard. Win. We (I think we mean the title contenders) are all going to have crazy fixtures and the competition in the Premier League may not be the same as last season. You probably have to win every game. ”
The teams that have won the Premier League have averaged 93 points over the past five seasons. However, in Premier League history, that number is 82, suggesting a much higher level of title contention in recent seasons.
The goal is clear and seeing the way they train every day gives me more confidence and gives me more reason to believe we have a good chance because they really want [to win]. ”
In their last 10 matches, Arsenal have the second-highest defensive record behind Manchester City, conceding eight goals. Arteta says their consistency began when Odegaard joined the attacking trio to press down the opposition backline.
All 11 players have a sense of ownership, depending on their attitude, and their love of defence. If you don't like it, it's because the manager is yelling at you and forcing you. Players don't just celebrate goals or assists, when they really start cheering for a good defence, it can take the spirit of the team to a different level. This infects teammates. ”
Arteta concluded by saying that Thomas' comeback could allow him and Rice to form a better combination.
I think it's going to be a very strong midfield and I have to see the chemistry on the pitch and the real level of these players to make sure they play to their strengths and make each other better. Thomas's impact on the next three months could be very significant. ”