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Agence France-Presse

Reuters

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal will need to be almost perfect if they are to catch runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool but feels momentum is building again after a poor run.
Arsenal, runners-up to Manchester City over the past two seasons, were expected to challenge again this year but instead Liverpool have raced eight points clear of second-placed City.
The Gunners go into Saturday’s match against West Ham on a high after hammering Sporting Lisbon 5-1 in the Champions League in midweek.
Last weekend, they beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 at home to end a four-match winless run in the league that cost them vital ground.
Arsenal are fourth in the league with 22 points from 12 games, level with third-placed Chelsea and one point behind City in second.
With a struggling City travelling to face Liverpool and Chelsea facing a difficult home encounter with Aston Villa, Arsenal could find themselves in second if they are able to beat 14th-placed West Ham.
Arteta was asked at his prematch press conference on Friday whether his team would have to be almost flawless to stand any chance of catching Liverpool, who have won 10 of their 12 games.
“If they continue that way, that’s for sure, with the numbers they’re producing and the amount of games they’re winning,” said the Arsenal manager.
“But the focus is on us, maintaining the consistency, especially in performances, that will give us the right to win a lot of games … this is a long run.”

He said he felt momentum was building at Arsenal again after the international break.
“Winning lifts the energy and our confidence,” he added. “They were two big wins for us and now it’s about consistency, getting that momentum, take it further against a good opponent tomorrow and try to replicate the performance to win the game.”
He added: “This is every three days so it doesn’t matter what you did yesterday – it’s about the next days, the next performance. Are you able to sustain high-level performance throughout the game as well because of how competitive every opponent is right now? And that’s what we will try to do tomorrow.”
Arsenal’s uptick in form has coincided with the return of captain Martin Odegaard, who spent two months on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
Arteta said the “exceptional” midfielder had hit the ground running since his return earlier this month.
“Good players that are so consistent and so reliable, that can take the game to a different level and make the players better around them – that’s a huge quality of Martin’s and he has been missed,” he said.
“The way he prepares himself, the work he put in with the physios and medical department with the importance of the season as well,” the Spaniard said.
“He’s been exceptional since the Chelsea game and been very consistent. He’s so reliable to take the game to the next level. It’s a huge calibre of player.”
Saturday’s opponents West Ham are fresh off Monday’s 2-0 away win at Newcastle.
Arteta spoke of his “huge admiration” for Hammers boss Julen Lopetegui, who had come under increasing pressure before the victory at St James’ Park.
“I know him, we are friends, I have huge admiration for him,” said Arteta.
“We are from the same area as I am in the north of Spain and he has a team who are on a high after a win at Newcastle and they’re tough opponents, we know that.”
Arteta added he would make a late call on defender Gabriel’s participation, after the Brazil international left the pitch in the 84th minute of the win over Sporting in some discomfort.


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English Premier League

English Premier League: Arsenal must be near-perfect to catch Liverpool, says Arteta

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (middle) thanks the fans after their away UEFA Champions League win over Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday. Photo: dpa

Arsenal’s renewed form has coincided with the return from injury of captain Martin Odegaard (left). Photo: Reuters

Uefa Champions League: Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to ‘make a statement’ at Sporting Lisbon

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta says his team have to “be ruthless, be efficient in the opposition box and do what we have to do to take the three points away”. Photo: AFP

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (middle) welcomes back Kieran Tierney (left) from injury. Photo: Reuters

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola watches midfielder Kevin De Bruyne taking part in training. Photo: AFP

FPL: Sell Erling Haaland, Manchester City players; captain Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah

With Liverpool away at the weekend, it’s time to offload your Manchester City players in FPL, including Erling Haaland (left). Photo: AP

Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol has endured a particularly difficult couple of games. Photo: AP

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is in fantastic form and has a tremendous record against Manchester City. Photo: AP

Cole Palmer and Chelsea are up against an Aston Villa side which has kept just one Premier League clean sheet all season. Photo: Reuters

FA investigating allegations referee David Coote discussed booking player before a game

The Sun newspaper says David Coote has denied the allegations, saying he has “always held the integrity of the game in the highest regard”. Photo: Reuters

Coote (right) is under suspension after a video of him making comments about Jürgen Klopp. Photo: Reuters

‘Fragile’ City collapse, Arsenal’s 5-star display, OGs take Baller League global

Manchester City’s Jack Grealish cut a dejected figure after the final whistle at the Etihad Stadium. Photo: DPA

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring his side’s fourth. Photo: Reuters

Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski celebrates after scoring his 101st goal in European football. Photo: EPA-EFE

Amorim’s debut draw at Man Utd, Liverpool 8 points clear, Sinner’s Italy win Davis Cup

Manchester United failed to get the result they were looking for as Ruben Amorim’s debut ended a draw away to Ipswich Town. Photo: Reuters

After a dream start, Ruben Amorim’s debut with Manchester United ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw. Photo: Reuters

Jannik Sinner (third from left) and his Italy teammates celebrate with the trophy after retaining the Davis Cup. Photo: AFP

Sport

Football

The Gunners, one of the preseason favourites, go into Saturday’s match against West Ham on a high after recovering from a poor run of form


The Gunners, one of the preseason favourites, go into Saturday’s match against West Ham on a high after recovering from a poor run of form.


Fantasy Premier League (FPL)