Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said that his squad’s enthusiasm for the title race might eventually lead to them breaking their jinx of not being able to win the Premier League title on earlier occasions when they were on top of the table on Christmas. In the past, Arsenal have always come up short in the second half of the Premier League season after finishing the Christmas window on top. This year, the Gunners sit four points clear of Manchester City at the season’s halfway point, buoyed by confidence after ending 2025 with a crushing 4-1 victory over third-placed Aston Villa to halt their winning run.
“Let’s break it (the hoodoo). That’s what they transmit every single day, you can see the desire and energy. How much they want it. Still five months to go, enjoy it day by day, and enjoy the process we’re in. We’re really happy with the position we are. It can always be better, there are things to improve. The only thing we look at is Bournemouth, the next game. We are still in early January, another five months to go. We have to do much more,” Arteta said on Friday.
Arsenal were also given an injury boost when Kai Havertz returned to the squad, with Arteta now spoiled for choice up front as the German fights with Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus for a spot in the starting lineup.
“It helps the team, it helps every individual. I think that’s what we want to have the options, with the manner of the games we have and the schedule. So far we haven’t had the options, so looking forward to having everybody performing and being able to change profiles and to change them during the game as well, to pick the best players in the best condition every time,” he added.
(with agency inputs)
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