Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal have “another gear or two to go” as they bid to maintain their challenge to Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
The Gunners will go top on Saturday evening if they can see off Brentford at the Emirates, although they could be overtaken again when Liverpool host City in Sunday’s eagerly anticipated clash at Anfield.
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Arsenal were the closest challengers to eventual winners City last season and Arteta feels that experience will stand them in good stead this time round.
He said: “The team want to keep improving, they feel they have another gear or two to go.
“That’s the level we want to push them to. Experience is a factor. They have played more time together and understand the system better.
“Confidence grows when results are positive too.”
The Spaniard says he will then sit back and watch Sunday’s blockbuster with his children.
“We can’t control that, we just have to focus on our game, try to win and then on Sunday it’s a game that should be beautiful to watch for any supporter,” he added.
“I can’t control it but I will enjoy watching two of the best teams in Europe. I will sit there with my kids and enjoy the match.”
Mikel Arteta is hopeful Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka will be fit for Arsenal’s game against Brentford on Saturday 🔴⏳ PIC.TWITTER.COM/6RTX4WAI1I
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) MARCH 7, 2024
All three of the Premier League contenders are in good form but it is Arsenal that have caught the eye recently, scoring 21 goals and conceding just one in their last four league games.
Arteta said: “It’s great, it shows our quality. The way we scored those goals too is really positive to see.
“The fact we are conceding very little, those two ingredients are great.
“We know the demands we have and what Brentford will ask of us to win the game.
“We want to be better so we know we have to win.”
Arteta will be forced into at least one change for the visit of Thomas Frank’s side with goalkeeper David Raya ineligible against his parent club.
That means a rare opportunity for former number one Aaron Ramsdale with Arteta confident the England international will shine.
“He’s fully prepared and desperate to play,” said Arteta.
“On Saturday it will be a great day for him. He has been brilliant, really supportive and pushing every day in training. It’s a joy to have two great goalkeepers in the team.
“One of the toughest things is to deal with players that don’t get the gametime they deserve.
“We have an unbelievable group of players and try to support them. When they get the opportunity they want to contribute to the team in the best way possible.”
