Arsenal backed up their draw at Manchester City with a midweek win over Luton Town to keep the pressure on at the top.
Liverpool's win over Sheffield United meant the Gunners dropped back down to second as the three-way Premier League title race remains hotly contested. Mikel Arteta's side face a tough trip to Brighton this weekend before they resume Champions League action.
The north Londoners could yet record an historic double this term, but equally could be left empty handed come the summer. Arteta could be handed a timely boost with Bukayo Saka in contention to play against the Seagulls at the Amex on Saturday evening. Here's the latest regarding Arsenal.
Partey stance
Arteta has praised Thomas Partey and insists he wants to keep the midfielder following suggestions he could be sold this summer. Partey made his first start since August in the 2-0 win over Luton and his return to fitness has given the Gunners a boost for the run-in. His return to the team has prompted further questions about Partey’s long-term future at the Emirates, given his current contract expires in June 2025. The 30-year-old has been consistently linked with a move away from north London.
Arteta said: “He’d better have his head here, because we are playing for big things. That’s what we expect. We need him. He’s a top player and important for us, you could see the other day on the pitch the impact that he can have for us.” Asked about a new contract, Arteta added: “He's our player, he's got one more year's contract and I'm really happy with him.”
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Thomas Partey made his long-awaited return against Luton (Stuart MacFarlane/Getty Images)Arteta distracted by Lego
Arteta admits he may not be able to watch all of Arsenal's title rivals during the run-in - because Lego may end up taking over. The Gunners boss saw his side briefly move top of the Premier League with Wednesday’s win over Luton before Liverpool reclaimed top spot with their 3-1 victory over Sheffield United the following night. Arteta spent his Thursday evening watching the action from Anfield - as well as Chelsea's dramatic 4-3 win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
"I was watching a bit of both and stayed up until late because the Chelsea versus Manchester United game was brilliant,” said the Spaniard.
When asked whether he will see every minute of his rivals, Arteta confessed: "I have to feel it because every game will be different. My wife and kids will have a big say on that too! My youngest might want to play Lego or play football in the garden with me. I will try to watch the majority of the games, though, for sure."
Mikel Arteta won't be keeping tabs on every game his rivals play (2024 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)Rio hoping for Gunners triumph
Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester City are still favourites for the title - but wants to see Arsenal lift the trophy. The pundit and ex-United defender reckons that City's fixtures are the easiest of the three to negotiate but is hopeful they won't come out on top.
He said on TNT Sports: "On paper, I think Man City have got the easier run-in and experience is going to play a big part. Liverpool have three away games against teams that you wouldn't say are big teams [Fulham, Everton and West Ham] but three away games [in a row] are difficult. Aston Villa away as well and obviously Manchester United away at the weekend.
"Arsenal have the toughest run-in and Man City… I’ve said this from the beginning of the season and I’ll continue to say this now [they are favourites]. I don’t want them to win it, I’ve got to be honest!" Ferdinand then joked: "I’d take Arsenal winning it right now. Over Liverpool and Man City, 100 per cent. It’s not a difficult one for me!"
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