Football

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his team to remain grounded despite their narrow 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. The Gunners escaped with a win thanks to VAR and a blistering first-half performance, but Tottenham's spirited second-half comeback served as a reminder of the challenges ahead.Arteta acknowledged the team's good fortune, stating, "We were lucky to escape with a win today. We have to be better." He emphasized the need for improvement, particularly in light of Tottenham's near-equalizer. "There's a margin for improvement, and we go again against Bournemouth," he added.Arsenal's upcoming fixtures include a home match against Bournemouth, followed by a clash with Manchester United and a home game against Everton. These matches will provide a stern test for the Gunners as they aim to maintain their lead over Manchester City.Despite the tough win, Arteta praised his team's mental fortitude. "We are right on it. The motivation and what is ahead is beautiful," he said.However, Arsenal's path to the title has not been without setbacks. Their 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa gave Manchester City an advantage, and City's superior goal difference means they could still lift the trophy if they win all their remaining matches.Despite the challenges, Arteta remains optimistic about his team's chances. "This team has a lot of courage and determination to make it happen. I have (faith in the players)," he said.Arsenal are chasing their first league title in 20 years, and their upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining their fate.

Unai Emery's Aston Villa dealt a significant blow to Arsenal's Premier League title hopes with a 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The result leaves Manchester City firmly in control of the title race, with Arsenal and Liverpool both faltering in their respective matches.Villa's victory was built on a solid defensive performance, with the visitors soaking up Arsenal's pressure for much of the game. The Gunners controlled possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances, while Villa looked dangerous on the counterattack.The breakthrough came in the 84th minute when Leon Bailey tapped home from close range after Lucas Digne's cross found him unmarked in the Arsenal penalty area. Two minutes later, Ollie Watkins doubled Villa's lead with a clinical finish after being played through on goal by Youri Tielemans.The defeat was Arsenal's first in the league this year and leaves them two points behind Manchester City with six games remaining. Liverpool's title hopes also took a hit with a 1-0 loss at home to Crystal Palace earlier in the day.Emery's victory over his former club was particularly sweet, as it was the second time this season that Villa had held Arsenal's high-flying attack scoreless. The result could prove costly for Mikel Arteta's team, who are now facing an uphill battle to win their first Premier League title since 2004.For Villa, the win puts them three points ahead of Tottenham in fourth place, although Spurs have a game in hand. The victory also gives Emery's team a boost in their bid to qualify for European competition next season.

Arsenal's Premier League title hopes were dashed last season under the pressure of Manchester City's relentless pursuit. With just seven games remaining this year, the Gunners find themselves in a similar position at the summit of the table. However, the question remains: have they learned from their past mistakes and emerged as a genuine title contender?One key difference this season is Arsenal's improved goal-scoring prowess. Last year, they struggled to find the back of the net consistently, but this season they have scored a league-high 66 goals. This improvement is largely due to the contributions of Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka, who have combined for 30 goals.Defensively, Arsenal has also been impressive, conceding just 24 goals, the lowest in the league. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have formed a formidable partnership at the heart of the defense, providing stability and composure.Another factor working in Arsenal's favor is the current struggles of Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's side has been uncharacteristically wasteful in front of goal, with Erling Haaland failing to live up to expectations. This has given Arsenal a slight edge in the title race.However, Arsenal's remaining fixtures are significantly more challenging than those of Liverpool or Manchester City. They face Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur in their final seven games, while their rivals have relatively easier schedules.Mikel Arteta has also made some tactical adjustments this season. He has adopted a more pragmatic approach, focusing on solidity and counter-attacking rather than the high-pressing style he employed last year. This change has paid dividends, as Arsenal has become more resilient and difficult to break down.Arteta has also shown a willingness to rest key players, something he was reluctant to do last season. This has helped keep his squad fresh and injury-free, giving them an advantage over their rivals.Despite these improvements, Arsenal's title hopes will ultimately depend on their ability to handle the pressure in the final stretch of the season. Arteta has learned from his mistakes last year and has instilled a greater sense of belief and resilience in his team. However, whether they have the mental fortitude to withstand the challenges that lie ahead remains to be seen.