Mikel Arteta finally considers Arsenal in Premier League title race after win at Chelsea

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has finally agreed that his team is in the running for the Premier League title following a gritty 1-0 win over London rivals Chelsea.

Speaking after the impressive victory, the Spaniard could no longer deny the quality of his high-flying side.

“We are [in the title race] today,” conceded Arteta, quotes via The Guardian. “But in football, today and tomorrow are very different. So, let’s enjoy this time.”

Despite admitting his team’s contender status, the Gunners Boss did concede that Man City are still favourites. Arteta then said that City have the “best manager” and “best team in the world”, before complimenting Arsenal once more.

“We are getting much better as a team and competing much better. We are getting really good results right now, but this is a long, long season.”

Chelsea 0-1 Arsenal

An intense and heated encounter between the two London clubs saw Arsenal take the bragging rights at Stamford Bridge.

The visitors created the best chances of the first half, with Ben White dragging a shot past the far post. As Chelsea kept getting caught in possession, Arsenal made multiple opportunities to take the lead. However, the Gunners squandered numerous chances.

Following the half-time break, Arsenal continued to push in search of the opening goal. Gabriel Jesus had yet another chance after dispossessing Thiago Silva – but he could not break the deadlock.

A set piece ultimately proved the difference. Just past the hour mark, a Bukayo Saka corner evaded everyone except Gabriel, who knocked the ball home whilst practically standing on the goal line.

Chelsea upped their attacking effort whilst trying to find an equaliser, but they were unsuccessful in their endeavours.

The win put Arsenal back at the top of the league, meanwhile, Chelsea slumped to seventh.

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After the game, Mikel Arteta praised his now title-chasing Arsenal side.

“It was another stage [of progress],” said Arteta, via BBC Sport. “Another level against a top, top team. A top manager, who had world-class players around the pitch, and really pleased not only for the win but I think the way we played. I think the way the team showed maturity, composure, dominance, and a real character to impose ourselves on the pitch.

“Today I think we have taken another step against a really difficult opponent to convince ourselves that we can do it. And we need to start to do it a little more consistently now.”

If Arsenal can stay top of the league after their last game before the World Cup, Mikel Arteta and co. will have history on their side in pursuit of the title…

Arsenal title chase: can Mikel Arteta put his side top at Christmas?

If the Gunners beat Wolves in their last Premier League fixture before the winter break, they will officially be in first place on Christmas Day. Now, history tells us that this is typically a good omen for teams chasing the league title.

In seven of the last ten seasons, the club which is in first on December 25th has gone on to lift the trophy in May. Then, since the start of the Premier League in 1992, 16 of the 30 title-winning teams were also top on Christmas Day.

As a result, Arsenal fans may take some confidence in their side going all the way this season with the backing of history.

However, 2022/23 is a season like no other. A month-long break where stars can pick up injuries whilst representing their country is a problem that clubs have never faced.

Additionally, the Premier League will have played 14 matches before resuming on Boxing Day. Last season, numerous sides had completed 18 games before the festive fixtures. There is therefore still a long way to go in this campaign – especially if you are an Arsenal fan.

But there is no harm in dreaming, right?

Featured image credit: Getty