- Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal to adopt a “hammer” mentality as they aim to chase down Liverpool in the 2025 Premier League title race
- Arsenal, nine points behind Liverpool after 18 games, face Brentford on New Year’s Day and are determined to pounce on any slip-ups by the league leaders
- Arsenal have only lost once in their last nine calendar-year opening fixtures, boosting confidence for their trip to Brentford
Arsenal’s coach Mikel Arteta has urged his squad to adopt a “hammer” mentality as they prepare to chase down Liverpool in the fiercely contested Premier League title race.
The Gunners boss sounded the rallying cry ahead of Arsenal’s New Year’s Day clash against Brentford, emphasising the importance of staying relentless and ready to capitalise on any slip-ups by the league leaders.
With Arsenal trailing Liverpool by nine points after 18 games, Arteta insisted his side must remain focused and consistent to keep the pressure on their title rivals. Liverpool, led by Arne Slot, have been dominant this season, suffering just one defeat so far, but Arteta remains confident that the Merseyside club’s flawless form will not last forever.
Speaking ahead of the clash with Brentford, Arteta stated,
“We have to continue to be like a hammer, be there every day, every game. If someone wins all the matches, then you congratulate them and move to the next season. But if they don’t, which history suggests they won’t, then we will be there to take our chance.”
The Spaniard’s remarks hinted at mind games as he sought to pile pressure on Liverpool, pointing out that no team has ever won every match in a Premier League season.
He added that Arsenal’s focus would remain firmly on Brentford, as they navigate a packed schedule across multiple competitions.
Despite Liverpool’s strong start, history suggests their position at the top on Christmas Day does not guarantee silverware in May. In 31 Premier League seasons, only 16 teams leading at Christmas have gone on to win the title.
Arsenal will open their 2025 campaign with the Premier League’s first fixture of the new year at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The Gunners boast a strong record in recent New Year’s Day matches, losing just once in their last nine opening fixtures of the calendar year, a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in 2022.
Their impressive form in London derbies also boosts their confidence heading into the Brentford game. Arsenal remained unbeaten in all 10 of their Premier League London derbies in 2024, winning eight and drawing two.
Notably, they scored five or more goals in five of those fixtures, equalling the total achieved in their previous 117 derby games.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot, meanwhile, played down suggestions of added pressure despite his team’s position at the top.
Slot acknowledged that pressure is constant at a club like Liverpool, regardless of league position, and emphasised his squad’s determination to maintain their lead.
Rivals should be scared as Saka unveils major agenda for Arsenal
Previously, TheRadar reported that Arsenal’s effort toward claiming silverware saw a major boost as they secured a Carabao Cup semi-final spot with a hard-fought victory over Crystal Palace.
Bukayo Saka came off the bench to provide a pivotal assist and later declared that the Gunners are “ready to compete for every trophy” this season.
