Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is rallying his team to seize the opportunity to pursue their first Premier League title in two decades.
With just three matches left, including Saturday’s clash against Bournemouth, Arsenal sits at the top with 80 points, narrowly ahead of defending champions Manchester City.
The Gunners have the advantage of an early kick-off, allowing them to apply pressure on City, who play later in the day against Wolves.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Arteta said the energy in his squad was “really good” after three straight wins, hailing their greater maturity after last season’s collapse in the title run-in.
Arsenal dominated much of the 2022/23 campaign before faltering towards the end, allowing City to secure their third consecutive title.
“I think the team is more mature,” said Arteta.
“Obviously the health and condition of the squad is in a much better place right now and all these factors contribute to being in a better position.”
Arteta urged his players to embrace what is likely to be an electric atmosphere at the Emirates in the clash against mid-table Bournemouth.
“Just focus and put all your energy in finding that determination and willingness to do our best to earn the right to win games,” he said.
“The first one is Bournemouth, it’s at home, it’s going to be an unbelievable atmosphere again towards the game. Be present and be in the moment and let’s see what happens.”
The Arsenal manager confirmed that all his players are fit and hinted at the possibility of Jurrien Timber making an appearance in the remaining matches, despite the defender’s absence since August due to a serious knee injury sustained during his Premier League debut.
“You see how commanding he is, his leadership, his quality and the rest they have to lift it up and they start to demand more from each other and they look at each other and say ‘I better be good because I want to keep playing’ and this is very positive for the squad,” said Arteta.
“We’re not going to know (whether he is ready to make an impact) until we throw him in. It’s tricky because there are only three games to go and he has missed eight months of football.”
