Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta characterized his squad’s commanding position atop the Premier League standings as a hard-earned privilege, speaking ahead of Wednesday’s match against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Gunners currently hold a four-point advantage over second-place Manchester City through 26 matches, setting up a crucial midweek fixture against the league’s bottom club.
Speaking to media on Tuesday, Arteta emphasized the sustained effort required to maintain their league-leading status. “The position we are in is a privilege because we have earned it and for so long,” the Spanish manager stated.
“Seven and a half months is a long time to every single day do the right things and perform at the level we are. We need to embrace that,” Arteta continued. “When you get to the latter stages of the season you understand the importance of every win and what you have to do. The team are in a good emotional state, really looking forward to playing tomorrow.”
Despite the significant 48-point gap separating the two clubs in the table, Arteta warned against underestimating Rob Edwards’ Wolves squad. Arsenal required two own goals, including a stoppage-time winner, to secure victory in their December meeting.
“We know we are going to play a really difficult match,” Arteta explained. “Our recent past with them showed how tough it was to win the three points. I know Rob really well and how he sets his teams up. It’s going to be a really tough test.”
When questioned about his confidence in Arsenal’s title chances, the manager pointed to his team’s consistent excellence across multiple competitions as the source of his optimism.
Arsenal currently compete on four fronts, having secured top position in their Champions League group to advance to the knockout rounds, reaching the FA Cup’s fifth round, and earning a spot in the League Cup final against Manchester City next month.
“They have given me the confidence because of what we’ve done up until now and every single day,” Arteta noted. “That’s the biggest reassurance, to do it in every single competition and the manner we’ve done it with all the challenges we have faced already. It gives me confidence because it’s the way we prepare.”
“I don’t get confidence from the things I imagine, I get it from what I see every day in the preparation and also how much the players want it. We are where we want to be, that’s for sure,” he added.
Regarding team fitness, Arteta confirmed that captain Martin Odegaard and striker Kai Havertz will miss the Wolves fixture due to injuries, though both could return for Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
Defender Riccardo Calafiori has returned to training after being withdrawn from the starting lineup before Sunday’s 4-0 FA Cup victory over Wigan Athletic, while Ben White has recovered from a hamstring problem related to fatigue.
