Arteta claims Arsenal are enthusiastic and positive, discusses right back issues

Arteta claims Arsenal are enthusiastic and positive, discusses right back issues
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A defeat in the League Cup final against title challengers Manchester City back in March came before a loss in the FA Cup quarter finals to Championship outfit Southampton, which halted Arsenals hopes of achieving a quadruple.

The team were temporarily pushed from the summit of the Premier League by City, however four victories in their last five matches in various competitions means the north London side head into their second last league match holding a two point advantage.

Arsenal have additionally qualified for the Champions League final, in which they will face current champions Paris Saint Germain.

The team is really present. Its living in the moment. Its emotionally in a really good state. The energy level is the right one, Arteta said to journalists before their home match versus Burnley on Monday.

We have most players available now. OK, we lost Ben White the other day, but the other ones are coming back as well.

Everyone is so enthusiastic and so positive about the way we can finish the season.

Arteta verified that defender White has picked up a lengthy injury, leaving Arsenal light at right back since Jurrien Timber is also out.

We need to look at alternatives. The two players we have are not available at the moment. So we need to look and do something else, added the Spanish coach.

The good thing is that we have experienced that all over the pitch this season, because when we have had issues, normally theyve been in the same position as well, and we have still managed to find the right level of performance and consistency, so Im sure we will do that.

Arsenal top the table with 79 points from 36 matches, two clear of City, although Pep Guardiolas team hold a better goal difference.

When questioned whether Arsenal must net more goals should goal difference prove decisive for the title, Arteta responded: First, we have to earn the right to win the game. Obviously, if you can make a difference with more goals, thats even better...

But we know ideally that scoring goals is going to be important.