Mikel Arteta believes most neutrals want to see Arsenal win Premier League

Mikel Arteta believes more neutrals want to see Arsenal win the Premier League than their title rivals Manchester City.

The Gunners boss feels people have seen “the way Arsenal do things” as they aim to regain top spot having lost to City on Wednesday night.

They head into the weekend second on goal difference and are in action in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off when they travel to face former manager Unai Emery’s Aston Villa.

Jack Grealish's goal helped Manchester City down Arsenal to move top of the table.
Jack Grealish’s goal helped Manchester City down Arsenal to move top of the table. (Adam Davy/PA)

“That I agree with,” he replied when it was put to him that more people want to see Arsenal lift the title than City.

“Because of what they see, people have a lot of sympathy for us, our players and the way we have done things.

“I don’t think we have ever been favourites, I don’t think that has changed. Man City have been the number one candidates from day one because they have been in that position for much of the last five years.

Arsenal finished eighth two years in a row under Arteta before narrowly missing out on a place in the top four last season.

They have surprised many onlookers by putting together a run which has them right in the title mix, something that has also seen expectations altered since the season began.

“What we can control is what we do,” Arteta added.

“That’s what I’ve been saying for three months. It’s about what we do tomorrow. The energy we have to play with and how we’re going to continue to believe in what we do. And to be more efficient.

Bukayo Saka has been among Arsenal's best performers this season.
Bukayo Saka has been among Arsenal’s best performers this season. (Adam Davy/PA)

“When you see yourself there and when you see the team performing and winning matches, you want to continue that. That is for sure.

“You have to do things consistently, at an extremely high level. And you have to have all the players available as well. To have the capacity to rotate, to have the capacity when players are not in the best moment to change them.

“That is what we are looking to do. But I think a highly motivated team, with a highly motivated crowd that wants to help you, I think it is an extraordinary thing to have.”

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