Mikel Arteta has told his Arsenal F.C. players they must embrace the pressure of a Premier League title race or consider leaving the club.
The Gunners sit two points clear at the summit as they chase a first league crown since the 2003–04 “Invincibles” season under Arsène Wenger. However, a dip in form — two wins in seven league matches — has allowed Manchester City F.C. to close the gap.
Criticism mounted after Arsenal surrendered a 2-0 lead to Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C., conceding a stoppage-time equaliser, prompting accusations they are “bottlers” — a label Arteta rejected.
“That word is not part of my vocabulary,” he said, insisting that scrutiny and “noise” are inevitable when competing at the top.
With a high-stakes North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur F.C. looming, Arteta stressed that pressure reflects Arsenal’s return to elite contention.
