“Over my dead body,” Mikel Arteta doesn’t hold back when asked about ‘giving up’ on Premier League

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta stated that his side would not give up in the EPL title race, as it would have to be 'over his dead body'.

“Over my dead body,” Mikel Arteta doesn’t hold back when asked about ‘giving up’ on Premier League

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta did not seem to give up hope of fighting for the EPL title this season. (via Sky Sports)

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confidently claimed that the club would not give up on fighting for the Premier League title this season. His comments come amid the club’s recent disappointing performances, as they lost 1-0 to West Ham United.

The Gunners lost 1-0 to West Ham United at the Emirates, enduring their first home defeat of the season, as well as ending their 15-match unbeaten run in the EPL. Moreover, the defeat proved costly as Arsenal lost ground on league leaders Liverpool, who now hold an 11-point lead. Liverpool claimed a 2-0 victory over Manchester City, with goals coming from Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai.

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Recent predictions and estimates have given the Gunners, just a 3.4 percent chance of winning the Premier League title. Only three teams in EPL history have been able to close a gap of 11 points and become champions. However, Arsenal’s chances of staging a turnaround has been worsened by the massive ongoing injury crisis, with four out of the club’s primary attackers sidelined.

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Arsenal still have a game in hand over Arne Slot‘s side, and next face high-flying Nottingham Forest in a crucial EPL encounter. Despite the odds being stacked against his side, Mikel Arteta expressed optimism, stating that the team would keep fighting. While highlighting the challenges, he exclaimed that the players would have to ‘go over his dead body’ to give up on the title this season.

Over my dead body. If not I will go home… Mathematically it is possible. The difficulty is higher than three days ago but if you are going to win the Premier League you have to do something special.

Mikel Arteta to reporters (H/T BBC)

Following their trip to City Ground, Arsenal next face a tough test in the Champions League last-16, against Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven. Meanwhile, it will be followed by difficult matches against Manchester United and Chelsea.

Mikel Arteta slammed for transfer failure, as ex-Arsenal forward joins rivals

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been slammed by pundits and fans alike, owing to his failure to sign a striker in the January transfer window. Meanwhile, former Gunners forward and free agent target Lucas Perez is set to play for PSV.

Lucas Perez Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta has been slammed for Arsenal’s transfer failure, as ex-Gunners forward and free agent Lucas Perez joins PSV. (via Daily Sports)

Arsenal will be without a recognized number nine for the rest of the season, owing to injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. The club had identified signing a free agent as an option to bolster their attack until the end of the season. Lucas Perez, who was high on the list, however, has joined PSV. He is set to play against his former team, in the UCL last-16.

Lucas Perez has signed a short-term deal at the Dutch side, after his contract with Deportivo La Coruna was cancelled by mutual consent. The 36-year-old once played for the North London side, but scored only once in 11 appearances.