Mikel Arteta ready to use Arsenal’s ‘siege mentality’ in title charge

By Philip Duncan, Press Association

Mikel Arteta is ready to draw on Arsenal’s “siege mentality” for their Premier League title charge following the perceived injustices against his side in Madrid.

Arteta was furious in the wake of Arsenal’s 1-1 draw in the opening leg of their Champions League semi-final at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday after Eberechi Eze’s late penalty was overturned by VAR.

But prior to next week’s return leg at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal will turn their attention back to ending their 22-year wait for the Premier League title when they host Fulham on Saturday.

The Gunners can pile the pressure on Manchester City by doubling their advantage at the summit from three to six points having played two more games than their rivals. Pep Guardiola’s side take on Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday.

Arteta said: “There is hunger to play, hunger to compete, hunger to win, and hunger to be closer to achieving our dream.

“We certainly have that (siege mentality). We need to face any context, and any situation to achieve our goal.

“What happened on Wednesday night was extremely disappointing. But we have enough fuel in the tank. We’re playing to win the Premier League. It’s exactly where we want it to be.

“Emotionally, we have to manage that in the right way. But I would place the emphasis more on desire and the determination that we’ve shown all season. Because we have only four games to play now, this is game two, and everything is at stake. It doesn’t get better than that.”

Following the contentious draw in the Spanish capital, Arteta suggested the club could take up their VAR concerns with UEFA.

Asked as to whether he had sought an explanation from the governing body, Arteta said: “I don’t know. I haven’t spoken to them in the last few hours. We will deal with that on Monday. Now it’s Fulham.”

The Emirates Stadium has been a bundle of nerves in recent months with Arsenal desperate to avoid finishing runners-up in the league for a fourth consecutive campaign.

Arsenal suffered a shock home defeat to Bournemouth on April 11 before an unconvincing 1-0 victory over Newcastle in their next league fixture in front of their own supporters.

And when asked if he was worried the anxiety from the stands is spilling on to the pitch, Arteta said: “That’s a question for the players.

“I’m extremely grateful for the support, and the atmosphere that we have created at the Emirates. We always want more, we always want better, we always want every single action to be so positive behind the players.

“The more we do that, we all know that the outcome is going to be much better. And I’m sure tomorrow is going to be such a special game when there’s so much to play for. We know everybody has to be at it.”

Captain Martin Odegaard is expected to be available despite being substituted in the second half in Madrid, but Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz remain sidelined.