Mikel Arteta admits what Arsenal have only been ‘really good’ at ‘lately’

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Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal have only been ‘really good’ at being ‘ruthless’ in front of the net ‘lately’ and must now let it continue to further strengthen their goal difference.

The Gunners have been a huge force in the final third since their winter break in January. No Premier League side can rival the 25 goals Arsenal have scored in their last six games ahead of visiting Sheffield United on Monday. Arteta’s men have also conceded a league-low three.

Arsenal are also the only team to boast a 100% winning record in the top-flight since jetting out to Dubai. Manchester City are also unbeaten through seven fixtures since January 8. But the Citizens have won six and drawn once. Liverpool have the next-best attack on 20 goals.

Arsenal now have the Premier League’s best goal difference

The attacking output of Premier League teams since January 8 drops to just 15 goals in third with Newcastle United. While Manchester City have shipped the second-fewest goals in that period with five. Arsenal have further improved their goal difference by a league-high of 22.

Now, Arsenal carry the best goal difference in the Premier League through 26 games at +39, with 62 scored to 23 conceded. No club has shipped fewer goals in the top-flight so far this term than Arteta’s team. While only Liverpool on 63 goals have outscored the Gunners yet.

Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal must stay ‘ruthless’ in the attack

Arteta believes having the best goal difference could be crucial in the title race with Arsenal trailing Liverpool by two points and Manchester City by one. It would award Arsenal the tie-breaker in the event of a tie on points. So, Arteta believes the Gunners must stay ‘ruthless’.

“Yes for sure,” Arteta said, via quotes by the Mirror. “First of all you have to earn the right to win the games and then we want to be ruthless and efficient in front of goal. Lately, I think we’ve been really good.

“In the last 15 or 20 minutes against Newcastle, we could maybe have done a bit more. And we have to continue to do that, especially when you bring the subs in because they can re-energise the team and continue at a really high level.”

Arsenal have thrashed Crystal Palace 5-0, West Ham United 6-0, Burnley 5-0 and Newcastle 4-1 since their winter break. The Gunners also held the Magpies to just two shots on target after a silent first half. But after leading 4-0 after 69 minutes, they took their foot off the gas.