Arteta motivates Arsenal to shape their future in derby after title slip

Mikel Arteta has called on Arsenal, who are faltering, to take charge of their "own future" during Sundays north London clash with Tottenham, following their loss of grip on the Premier League championship chase.

Artetas team had built a strong advantage in their push for a first English crown since 2004, yet the frontrunners have let second placed Manchester City narrow the gap to just five points from the summit.

City, up against Newcastle on Saturday, hold an extra fixture over Arsenal and will welcome the Gunners to a pivotal encounter in April.

Should Pep Guardiolas squad secure victory in their final 12 outings, they would claim the trophy irrespective of Arsenals outcomes in their remaining 11 contests.

This is a harsh reality for Arteta, who oversaw Arsenals squandered advantages in title pursuits claimed by City in 2023 and 2024.

The Gunners have ended as second place finishers across the past three campaigns, and their recent awkward slip has sparked sharp doubts regarding their capacity to manage the strain of a championship battle.

However, Arteta insists his squad can manage the stress, provided they seize the chance to forge history.

"Ive witnessed an outstanding response once more. Dropping points on the final touch of the match, in such an unforeseen way, is hard for anyone to grasp. Yet this is the nature of football," he shared with journalists on Friday.

"Life goes forward, theres little we can change. Its all about the upcoming steps.

"That was one segment. In segment 27, we tied with Wolves. Now, in the following, its up to us to craft our own path ahead."

Arsenal have let slip their advantage in the previous two fixtures, ending 1-1 versus Brentford and 2-2 away to basement dwelling Wolves.

Not securing the win against Wolves despite a two goal cushion was particularly stinging, as a misunderstanding between goalkeeper David Raya and defender Gabriel Magalhaes led to Tom Edozies equalising strike in added time.

"The instant response is difficult. It hit us like a jolt. We aimed to triumph but fell short, and now we must press on," Arteta remarked.

"Yet we hold firm directions. We need to dwell in the now. The now is splendid, were positioned just as we desire across all competitions."

Arsenal have taken maximum points in only two of their most recent seven league encounters, but struggling Tottenham are in poorer shape, without a victory in their prior eight Premier League games.

Tottenham sit merely five points clear of the drop zone, and temporary manager Igor Tudor steps in for his debut after Thomas Franks dismissal.

Arsenal dominated Tottenham 4-1 back in November, though Arteta remains cautious about confronting a side under fresh leadership.

"I believe it has occurred seven times to us already this term," he noted.

"Well possess the skill to adjust, but the key emphasis remains on our actions to secure success.

"Its our immediate fixture and one were eager to tackle. We must perform strongly on Sunday."