Mikel Arteta has now declared how many points he thinks Arsenal will need to win the Premier League title this season.
Arsenal are currently in the midst of a Premier League title race, battling it out with Manchester City and Liverpool.
The Reds currently lead the way at the top of the table, with Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions hot on their heels. The Gunners hold a game in hand, which they will contest against Sheffield United this evening. Mikel Arteta’s side will be heavy favourites heading into that clash at Bramall Lane, as the Blades have endured a torrid season so far and are destined for relegation as they remain firmly rooted at the foot of the table.
However, Cesc Fabregas insists that there is now additional pressure on Arsenal, by virtue of the fact they are the last of the three title-chasing teams to play in this round of Premier League fixtures.
Tonight’s game in Sheffield is virtually a must-win encounter for Arsenal, as will every Premier League game be for them between now and the end of the season. The north London club need both Manchester City and Liverpool to slip up if they are stand any chance of being crowned champions, and they can scarcely afford to drop any points themselves.
At the end of March, the Gunners will have a showdown with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in a clash that will have huge ramifications in the title race. Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has recently highlighted how important this game will be to Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta sets points target for Arsenal
The truth is, though, that every match is crucial now. Arsenal know only too well, after the pain of how last season ended, that dreams can be dashed very quickly in the run-in.
Arsenal need to pick up as many points as they possibly can between now and the end of the season. If they were to win all of their remaining matches, starting against Sheffield United tonight, they would end up with a total of 94 points. That would be a finish worth ten points more than they managed last season.
In his recent press conference, as reported by Hayters TV, Arteta was asked how many points it will take to win the league this season. The Spanish coach said, “I don’t know. You might have to win every game. I have no clue, there’s a lot of games coming up. We are all going to have crazy schedules and this league, it might be different to last season. Anything under 90 points, I think it will be very difficult.”
If 90 points is the benchmark and target that Arteta has set for Arsenal, then they have very little room for error.
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