Arteta: Arsenal Unaffected by Manchester City Pressure in the English League Title Race

JAKARTA - Mikel Arteta said Arsenal were not distracted by Manchester City's pursuit of the 2025/2026 English League title.

The Citizens briefly usurped the top of the table after a 3-0 win over West Ham United on Saturday, December 20, 2025. However, the Gunners returned to the throne after defeating Everton 1-0 a day later.

Now, the two teams are only separated by two points. If Arsenal slips, Manchester City will automatically take advantage. On the other hand, the Gunners can widen the gap if Pep Guardiola's team stumbles.

"We don't think about that. I know you do too. The only thing we can control is our own performance and results."

"We know how long it is and how difficult this league is. That's all. Enjoy every day. Do your best and see what we will get," Arteta said when asked about the pressure from Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres' penalty in the first half saved Arsenal from losing three points and returning to the top of the table.

Arsenal were seven points ahead of Manchester City just a month ago. However, Pep Guardiola's team has narrowed the gap with five consecutive wins that coincided with Arteta's team losing points after a draw at home to Chelsea and a defeat at Aston Villa.

Although Manchester City increased the pressure on Arsenal, Arteta said it did not affect his players.

Only, the uncomfortable victory over Everton seemed to indicate that Arsenal was actually depressed by Manchester City.

However, Arteta dodged. He diverted the conversation that his team could learn from the match against The Toffees.

"It should have been a bigger margin (of victory), but that's what we have to do, learn, but keep winning. We know this will be a very difficult match."

"In the second half, we should have scored the second or third goal to be more relaxed. We didn't do it. Against a team like this, the situation can be very stressful."

"Every team presents a different situation. They use the goalkeeper to play long balls. The game becomes more chaotic and open. You have to dominate the game and we managed to do it."

"You need to enjoy the process of winning and there will be difficult moments, heavy moments, great moments. It's all part of our goal and how close we are to winning."

"That's why we have to enjoy it and go through it game by game," the Spanish coach said.