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Arteta calls for focus as Arsenal eye historic double
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his squad and supporters to remain grounded as the club enters a pivotal phase in their pursuit of both the Premier League title and Champions League glory.
Premier League title race intensifies
Arsenal hold a five-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand, at the summit of the Premier League table. The Gunners require three victories from their final three matches to secure their first league title in 22 years. Their remaining fixtures include a trip to relegation-threatened West Ham on Sunday, a home game against Burnley on 18 May, and a season-closing match at Crystal Palace on 24 May.
Champions League final awaits in Budapest
On Tuesday, Arsenal advanced to their first Champions League final in two decades with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Atlético Madrid. They will face Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on 30 May, aiming to complete an unprecedented domestic and European double.
"We are closer and closer, and everything we do now will determine whether we win or not. Stay present, live the moment, and bring the same energy, hunger, and desire we've shown all season-or even more."
Mikel Arteta
Arteta addresses celebrations and criticism
Following Arsenal's semi-final triumph over Atlético Madrid, celebrations at the Emirates Stadium drew mixed reactions. Former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney described the scenes as "a little bit too much," while ex-Arsenal striker Ian Wright defended the players and fans, arguing that critics should not dampen their joy.
Arteta acknowledged the feedback but emphasized that his team's focus remains solely on their upcoming league match against West Ham, who sit 18th in the table, one point and one place behind safety.
Manchester City's resurgence keeps pressure on Arsenal
Manchester City, who defeated Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final in March, have re-entered the title race with an 11-game unbeaten run, including a 2-1 victory over the Gunners. However, a 3-3 draw with Everton on Monday saw them drop crucial points. City led 1-0 before conceding three goals in 13 second-half minutes, though Jeremy Doku's late strike salvaged a draw.
With three of their last four games at home, Pep Guardiola highlighted the importance of the Etihad Stadium atmosphere.
"I love to play at home, what can I say? Winning our games is all we can do."
Pep Guardiola
Relegation battle adds drama to final fixtures
At the foot of the table, West Ham face a critical run-in, with matches against Arsenal, Newcastle away, and Leeds at home. Despite two wins and a draw in April, a 3-0 defeat to Brentford last weekend, coupled with Tottenham's victory over Aston Villa, pushed the Hammers back into the relegation zone.
West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo, who joined the club in September, believes the London Stadium can be a fortress in their fight for survival.
"There is no hiding-being at home is good for us. Our fans have been incredible lately, giving us that extra push. These final games are always nervy, but it's up to us to control our nerves and deliver."
Nuno Espírito Santo
When asked about his future at the club, Nuno dismissed speculation, stating he has "no energy to think about next season" and is focused solely on the immediate challenges.
Tottenham and Nottingham Forest in the mix
Tottenham, who hold a superior goal difference to West Ham, face Leeds on Monday, while Nottingham Forest, in 16th place, host Newcastle on Sunday. Both teams remain embroiled in the battle to avoid relegation.
