As the Premier League title race reaches its thrilling final stretch, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is urging his squad and the Gunners faithful to "stay present and live the moment." With just weeks left in the season, the north London club stands on the brink of something truly special—a potential Premier League and Champions League double.
Currently sitting five points clear of second-place Manchester City—who hold a game in hand—Arsenal need just three wins from their remaining three league matches to capture their first top-flight title in 22 years. The momentum is palpable after Tuesday's dramatic 2-1 aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid, which punched their ticket to the Champions League final for the first time in two decades. They'll face Paris St-Germain in Budapest on May 30.
"We are closer and closer, and everything that we do now is going to matter to win it or not," Arteta said on Friday. "Stay present, live the moment, prepare and show the same level of energy, hunger, and desire that we have showed all season—or more."
The Gunners face a critical test this Sunday when they travel to the London Stadium to take on relegation-threatened West Ham. The Hammers sit 18th, just one point and one place from safety behind Tottenham, making this a high-stakes clash for both sides. After that, Arsenal host Burnley on May 18 before wrapping up the league campaign at Crystal Palace on May 24.
Despite the euphoria surrounding the Champions League achievement, Arteta insists his team's focus is locked on the task at hand. "The energy and detail in training is all about West Ham," he emphasized. He also acknowledged the mixed reactions to the club's celebrations following the Atletico win. Former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney called the scenes at Emirates Stadium "a little bit too much," but ex-Arsenal striker Ian Wright fired back, saying the "fun police" shouldn't dampen the joy of such a milestone.
Meanwhile, Manchester City—who defeated Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final back in March—are plotting their own path to glory. Pep Guardiola's side face Brentford at the Etihad this Saturday, followed by Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Aston Villa, with an FA Cup final against Chelsea sandwiched in between. City are fighting to add a seventh league title to their trophy cabinet, ensuring the drama is far from over.
For Arsenal fans, every moment counts. As Arteta says, it's time to live it.