Arsenal Urged to Maintain Focus Amid Title Race

Mikel Arteta emphasizes a game-by-game approach as Arsenal navigate Premier League title pressure

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called on his team to stay focused and take a game-by-game approach as they vie for the Premier League title. With Manchester City narrowing the gap at the top of the table, the pressure is mounting on the Gunners, but Arteta believes his squad can handle the challenge by concentrating on consistent improvement and winning each match individually.

Why it matters

Arsenal's title charge has intensified the spotlight on the team, and their ability to maintain composure and focus will be crucial in determining the outcome of the race. Historically, Premier League title challenges have often been decided by mental fortitude as much as tactical prowess, making Arteta's emphasis on a calm and focused environment a key factor in Arsenal's potential success.

The details

Arteta has stressed the importance of his team focusing on winning each match individually and collectively improving their performance, rather than getting caught up in the broader implications of the title race. The manager believes Arsenal's record of securing victories after Manchester City's matches shows their resilience in handling external pressure. Additionally, Arsenal's dominance when taking the lead in matches, with only two dropped points out of 17 games where they've scored first, demonstrates their ability to control games and close out victories.

  • Arsenal currently sit three points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

The players

Mikel Arteta

The manager of Arsenal Football Club, who is leading the team's title charge and emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and composure.

Declan Rice

The Arsenal midfielder who has described the season as a "rollercoaster" and emphasized the need to focus on "controlling the controllables" and blocking out external "noise".

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What they’re saying

“That's what we have to do. We have to focus on winning the next match, and then the next one, and then the next one. That's the only way we're going to be successful.”

— Mikel Arteta, Arsenal Manager (newsy-today.com)

“It's been a rollercoaster of a season, but we have to focus on controlling the controllables and blocking out the noise. The calm atmosphere in the dressing room is crucial.”

— Declan Rice, Arsenal Midfielder (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Arsenal's next match is against Manchester United on February 18th, where they will look to maintain their lead at the top of the table.

The takeaway

Arsenal's ability to maintain focus and composure amidst the pressure of the title race will be a key factor in determining their success. Arteta's emphasis on a game-by-game approach and the team's mental fortitude could prove to be crucial advantages as the season progresses.