Mikel Arteta brought up Arsenal’s important 3-1 win against Premier League title rivals Liverpool on February 4 was mentioned in Tuesday’s press conference.
The Gunners are currently engaged in a close battle for the title with Liverpool and Manchester City, with Jurgen Klopp’s team now being considered as the favorites.
Arsenal defeated Liverpool at the Emirates just two months ago thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard.
Arteta pointed out to Liverpool about that outcome prior to his team’s match against Luton with his second-placed team being two points behind the Reds with nine games remaining.
When asked how he felt as they enter a crucial period of the season, Arteta said: ‘I’m really excited.
‘We had these discussions when we played Liverpool a few months ago, it’s a must-win or a not-lose because you know the title is over.
‘That was two months ago! It’s always like that when you look back and you feel the necessity to win and be there and it’s not going to change from now until the end.
‘Obviously, the end is coming. Nine games is still a lot and I just embrace the moment, go game by game and make sure we are fully prepared for tomorrow to perform well.’
Arsenal narrowly missed out on the title last season and William Saliba believes the Gunners would have secured the trophy if it weren’t for his season-ending injury.
When asked about the story of Saliba’s absence ending last season's title pursuit, Arteta commented: ‘So what is the narrative this season?
‘Saliba is fit so what’s going to happen? There has to be a narrative, right? There has to be a narrative when he doesn’t play and a narrative when he does play.’
When questioned if Saliba's fitness would help Arsenal win the title this season, Arteta responded: ‘Let’s take that one! Okay, let’s move on.’
Meanwhile, Arteta has also given an update on Bukayo Saka’s fitness after he had to leave the game in the 78th minute of their 0-0 draw against Pep Guardiola’s team.
