Mikel Arteta exclusive: Arsenal 'deserve' big trophy after 2024 form in Premier League
Updated 14/01/2025 at 13:48 GMT
Arsenal suffered just three Premier League defeats in 2024, and Mikel Arteta feels the form they consistently displayed over the last calendar year is deserving of "big trophies in your cabinet". The Spaniard now has silverware at the forefront of his mind, and remains positive on Arsenal's title chances despite sitting six points behind leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand.
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Securing silverware is a primary target for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and the Spaniard feels his side's form over the past year deserves a trophy.
The Gunners suffered only three Premier League defeats in 2024 as they fell just short of Manchester City in a competitive title race during the 2023/24 season.
Arsenal have only claimed silverware once under Arteta – the 2019/20 FA Cup – despite becoming regular title challengers under his guidance.
And speaking ahead of The Gunners' north London derby clash against Tottenham Hotspur – live on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Wednesday – the Arsenal boss emphasised the importance of converting consistency into trophies.
When asked what is missing for his side after a strong 2024 calendar year, Arteta told TNT Sports: "The trophy that I think we deserve because that level of consistency normally you are champions, normally you have big trophies in your cabinet.
"We haven't, so it is something we are missing and that's the piece we have to find."
Arsenal sit six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, above third-placed Nottingham Forest on goal-difference alone. Arne Slot's side also hold a game in hand over the chasing pack.
It is a lead which Arteta feels is far from unassailable and he has seen enough within his side's performances to remain upbeat about their title hopes.
Asked if he remains positive over the state of the Premier League table, Arteta responded: "Yes I am, I am because how we sustain performance against any opposition. The numbers are there, they don't lie."
Going into 2025, Arteta's side had not lost at home since April – but have suffered back-to-back defeats at the Emirates following setbacks against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup and a shootout loss against Manchester United in the FA Cup on Sunday.
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And Arteta feels the poor start to the year is merely a "bump" in the road, while praising his side's response to adversity.
"I think it's a bump you have to go through, that's it," Arteta explained. "We have gone through so many over the last few years, so many already this season with various special circumstances happening.
"Some of them are very unfortunate, and the team react and react and react. The team is ready to go, and I don't see any player and any staff member seeking excuses. They just go again and try their best and it's been a tough week.
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'Incredible' that we didn't win, says Arteta, admits to 'big worry' over Jesus injury
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"Losing two times at home after nine months, the manner how the team played to lose the games, can it happen again? Hopefully not, because it's very unlucky.
"[We] continue to believe in our players and what we do. We have one way of doing it, we are missing some big players.
"In terms of what we need in the squad is to elevate each other's standards and show qualities to another level. That's the only way we can compensate."
Gabriel Jesus is the latest player to join Arsenal's growing injury list, as Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also sidelined with respective issues.
How to watch the north London derby
Arsenal face Tottenham in the 197th edition of the north London derby on Wednesday evening.
Coverage will get underway on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ at 18:30 ahead of a 20:00 kick off.
The Gunners will be hoping the match against their fierce rivals can breathe new life into their title challenge, with Mikel Arteta's side currently six points behind Liverpool.
TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a line-up of up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4), and up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), and TNT Sports Ultimate plus TNT Sports Box Office HD.
You can subscribe to TNT Sports through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.
Stream the 2024-25 Premier League live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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