Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is calling on his players, including striker Viktor Gyokeres, to embrace the heightened expectations and scrutiny that come with being title contenders in the Premier League. The Gunners have the chance to temporarily widen their advantage at the top of the table with a victory over Bournemouth this Saturday.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Arteta acknowledged the intense focus on the team but insisted it should be seen as a positive. "Noise is good because it means you are in the place you want to be," he stated. "Being in contention to win big trophies is going to generate debate and emotion. You can learn from all that."
Arteta's words come after Arsenal's dominant 4-1 win against Aston Villa, which reaffirmed their status as title favorites. However, the manager is determined not to let external pressures distract his team as they prepare to face Bournemouth, who defeated Arsenal twice last season.
The spotlight is particularly bright on Gyokeres, who joined Arsenal from Sporting for a significant £63.5 million fee. The Swedish striker has scored just five goals in 22 appearances since his arrival, but Arteta remains confident that his forward will soon find his scoring touch. "He is going to continue to have a lot of noise around him for the next five years," Arteta said. "Since day one, you sign as a No 9 for Arsenal with the background he has and the expectation at Arsenal, that is not going away. That is the life of being an Arsenal No 9."
Arteta also addressed the competitive atmosphere within the squad, which he believes will benefit Gyokeres and the team as a whole. With Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz returning from injury, the competition for places up front has intensified. However, Arteta sees this as a positive, stating, "That was the plan, that we have that level of competition in the team. Different qualities and different players."
As Arsenal continues their title push, Arteta's message to his players is clear: embrace the pressure, use it as motivation, and together, they can bring the Premier League trophy back to North London.
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