Mikel Arteta establishes a points target for Arsenal in the Premier League title challenge.
Mikel Arteta acknowledges that Arsenal might require a flawless finish to the season for a shot at lifting the Premier League title. He suggests, at the very least, matching the achievement of the ‘Invincibles’ – the only Arsenal team to reach the 90-point mark.
Mikel Arteta suggests that Arsenal is likely aiming for 90 points in the Premier League to have a chance at clinching the title this season.
The Gunners, eager to end their 20-year title drought, are rebounding from a disappointing finish last season, where Manchester City edged past them by five points on their way to the Treble.
In the current campaign, Arsenal finds themselves in a three-way battle, currently trailing behind both Liverpool and City.
A victory against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Monday evening would place them two points behind the league leaders.
After a challenging conclusion to 2023, Arteta’s squad has kicked off the new calendar year in a formidable manner, netting goals prolifically. Their six consecutive league victories in 2024 have witnessed a total of 25 goals scored.
Arteta sets his target
Despite their impressive form, Arteta acknowledges the formidable task ahead, suggesting that Arsenal might need a flawless run from now until May.
In anticipation of the upcoming match against The Blades, Arteta stated, “The demands, you might have to win every game.
There are a lot of games, and we are all going to have crazy schedules, and this league might be different to last season.
Anything under 90 points I think would be very difficult” according to reports from TNTsports .The 90-point benchmark has been achieved by the North London giants only once before, during the iconic ‘Invincibles’ campaign of 2003/04.
Last season’s tally of 84 points is the closest they’ve come since. To surpass this milestone in the current season, Arsenal would need either 10 wins and two draws or 11 consecutive victories in their final 12 games, allowing very little margin for error.
Liverpool and Manchester city standing as a mountain before the Gunners
On the flip side, Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp and City under Pep Guardiola have demonstrated their expertise in amassing substantial points tallies.
The top four totals in Premier League history, and six of the top eight, have been achieved by these two teams. Remarkably, in the last five years, Liverpool secured 92 and 97 points in campaigns that concluded with runners-up medals.
In the recent weekend fixtures, both Liverpool and City showcased their resilience, with Liverpool securing a 99th-minute winner against Nottingham Forest and City coming from behind at halftime to defeat rivals Manchester United.
Arsenal’s pursuit of a perfect finish will face significant challenges, particularly in away matches against City and local rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Additionally, they still have to contend with a formidable Aston Villa side at home.
