A bold statement from Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, is shedding light on a crucial advantage his team holds over their Premier League rivals, Manchester City and Liverpool.
As the midweek fixtures approach, Arsenal sits at the top of the table, in a tie with Liverpool on points but leading in goal difference, with City trailing by a single point.
However, the narrative shifts significantly as Pep Guardiola’s side has a game in hand over their adversaries and are still seen as the front-runners for clinching a fourth consecutive title.
Earlier, the dynamics of the title race took a turn when City dominated Luton 5-1 to claim the top spot, while both Liverpool and Arsenal stumbled against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa respectively.
Following Arsenal’s defeat, Liverpool’s defender, Trent Alexander-Arnold, attributed it possibly to them playing after their opponents.
Now, it’s Arsenal who will kick things off against Chelsea on Tuesday, preceding Liverpool’s Merseyside derby with Everton on Wednesday, and City’s journey to Brighton on Thursday.
When questioned about playing the early fixture, Arteta mentioned, “That definitely provides an advantage because it means you’re securing your wins and reducing the margins.”
“At this point, it’s out of our control. However, winning consistently and closing the gaps is a positive step.”
Arsenal will be the first among the three title contenders to play in two of the remaining four matchweeks, with the added benefit of never being the last to play in any of them.