Premier League
It May Take 100 Points For Arsenal To Stop Man City’s Dominance – Says Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta admitted that Arsenal may have to accumulate 100 points to break Manchester City’s stronghold on the Premier League next season.
Arsenal finished as second-placed to City for the second consecutive season, narrowly missing out on the title on the last day of the season.
Despite Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Everton, Manchester City’s 3-1 win against West Ham rendered the result insignificant as Pep Guardiola’s side clinched the title by a two-point margin.
City has achieved an unprecedented feat of winning four consecutive titles and being crowned champions six times in the last seven years.
Despite Arsenal’s impressive form in 2024, Manchester City’s dominance shows no signs of waning, as they remain unrivaled at the top. Mikel Arteta is well aware, based on his own experience, that City’s hunger for success is uncontrollable even after their recent triumph.
Arteta previously served as Guardiola’s assistant during the historic 2017-18 season when City became the only team in the Premier League era to reach 100 points.
And Arteta acknowledged Arsenal might have to hit that milestone next season if they are to win the title for the first time since 2004.
“We are doing this against the best team in the history of the Premier League by far,” said Arteta, whose team managed 89 points this term. “I was there when City did 100 points. This is what it takes. Nobody has to explain the level.”
He continued, “In the last 15 to 20 years of the competition, the level is not like it is today. We are competing against an incredible team.”
In the 2022-23 season, Arsenal wasted an eight-point lead in the title race. However, this season, they mounted a strong challenge against City, winning 16 out of their last 18 games and suffering just one defeat.
Despite their remarkable effort, Arteta acknowledged City’s remarkable consistency and performance, tipping his cap to their dominance.
“Congratulations to Manchester City. Unbelievable what we have done since December. Every performance has been the highest level we have seen and it wasn’t enough,” he said. “We have been pushing so hard. Unfortunately it was a bit short and we could not deliver the big prize.”
“We are there and they took it away from us. There is only one way to do it, to have courage and push with everything we have.” He stated.
Arteta admitted that the pivotal moments occurred when Arsenal suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa on April 14th, and later when Manchester City narrowly secured a tense 2-0 victory against Tottenham on Tuesday.
“For sure Aston Villa at home. Maybe the story would be different. Then the Tottenham game on Tuesday. These are the margins, they are so small,” he said. “We are in the right direction but we need to put everything into it because we need more.”
Maintaining that Arsenal would eventually discover a way to surpass City, Arteta added: “We cannot feel sorry for ourselves. We are improving. It was an unbelievable season but we are not champions. We will win it. When? I don’t know, but we are so close.”
Arsenal supporters echoed Arteta’s belief that they will win the title in the end.
“It was in City’s hand so I can’t complain. We’re very confident for next season. We’ll win the league and the Champions League!” Gunners fan Phoenix Christian told AFP.
Fellow supporter Andrew Walker added: “I’m proud of the boys, we were so close. We’re back next year is the year.”
Currently, Arteta intends to reorganize with his family before refocusing on the challenging endeavor of facing City once more in the upcoming season.
“Rest, have beautiful holidays, that is what we need first because everyone has put every single drop of emotion into this,” he said. “I have my family here and a few friends. Now we are going to have a good dinner.”
