Mikel Arteta issues Arsenal title warning to Liverpool and tells players: ‘Be like a hammer’ | OneFootball

Liverpool are eight points clear of the Gunners with a game in hand - but Arteta is not losing hope

Mikel Arteta has told his Arsenal players they need to be like a “hammer” in the title race and ready to pounce if Liverpool slip up.

Arsenal are a further point adrift of Forest ahead of their trip to Brentford on New Year’s Day, but have played the same number of games as Liverpool.

If they don’t [win all their games] - which in history it hasn’t happened - then we will be there

Mikel Arteta on Liverpool

“We have to continue to be like a hammer, be there every day, every day and if someone wins all the matches then congratulate them and then go to the next season,” he said.

“But if they don’t [win all their games] - which in history it hasn’t happened - then we will be there.”

Brentford kicks off a packed January for Arsenal, who have nine games in 29 days, but Arteta believes his squad can handle it.

The Gunners have been battling injuries and suspensions all season, with Arteta confident that tough experience has led to his side growing.

“We are going to have to prove it,” he said. “We’re proven that already this season, I’m sure of that.

“If this had happened last season, the number off games we’ve played with ten men, the injuries in the squad, for sure it would be difficult to be in the stages of the competition we are in now.

Arsenal have come close in the last two title races

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

“So, for sure, the team has made another step, the team is evolving and adapting to new circumstances and now we have another one with more games with less players. So, let’s face it.”

Arsenal will hope to kick off 2025 in style with a win at Brentford, but Arteta is aware of the Bees’ excellent home form.

Thomas Frank’s side have lost just one of their nine league games at the Gtech Community Stadium this season, winning seven and drawing once.

Only Liverpool can boast a better home record than that in the Premier League thanks to their superior goal difference to Brentford.

“Very tough, a really good team,” said Arteta, when asked what he expected from Brentford.

“If you see their record at home until last week, it’s remarkable and they evolved and adapted as well with the qualities in the team with the players they have in the team. Very impressed.”