EPL: Arteta Plays Down Goal Difference As Arsenal Chase 1st Title In 22 Years

Mikel Arteta has insisted Arsenal’s primary focus remains winning matches rather than attempting to outscore rivals Manchester City in the race for the Premier League title.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s crucial weekend fixture, the Spanish tactician said goal difference would only become important if his side continued to secure victories in their remaining games. Manchester City strengthened their position on Wednesday after a commanding 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace pushed their goal difference to +43, one better than Arsenal’s tally of +42.

With only two matches left this season, the title race remains finely balanced. City are scheduled to face Bournemouth and Aston Villa, while Arsenal will take on Burnley and Crystal Palace in what promises to be a dramatic conclusion to the campaign.

Arteta stressed that his players must first concentrate on collecting maximum points before thinking about the margin of victory.

“First we have to earn the right to win the game,” Arteta told reporters. “Obviously, if you can make a difference with more goals, that’s even better.”

The Arsenal manager pointed to his team’s recent hard-fought victory over West Ham as evidence that every match at this stage of the season presents a major challenge.

“We all play really tough matches,” he added. “We had a really tough match against West Ham and managed to win it, and it was a great feeling.”

Arteta, however, acknowledged that goals could eventually prove decisive if both sides remain level on points at the end of the season.

The Gunners are chasing their first Premier League title in two decades, while Manchester City are aiming to extend their dominance with yet another league triumph under Pep Guardiola.