Key Takeaways:
- Arsenal advanced to the Champions League final with their recent win over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday
- The Gunners currently lead the Premier League by five points, with only three matches remaining, while Manchester City have one game in hand
- Arsenal will visit 18th-placed West Ham United on Sunday, facing a side unbeaten at home in league play since January
Premier League Title Race Intensifies
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his squad to preserve their hunger and competitive edge as they enter a pivotal period that could see the club secure its first Premier League crown since 2004, alongside a maiden Champions League triumph.
Following Tuesday’s victory over Atletico Madrid, which secured their place in the Champions League final, Arsenal hold a five-point advantage at the summit of the Premier League table. With only three fixtures left in the domestic campaign, second-placed Manchester City remain in pursuit with a game in hand.
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🧱 Building momentumHere’s every word from Mikel Arteta’s pre-West Ham press conference 👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 8, 2026
Arteta’s Rallying Call Ahead of West Ham Trip
Ahead of their weekend journey to West Ham United, Arteta outlined the mindset required from his players and supporters alike.
“Stay present. Live in the moment. Prepare and show the same level of energy, hunger and desire we have shown all season, or more. We are closer and closer, and everything we do is going to matter,” the manager said on Friday.
Arsenal’s attention now turns to an away fixture at London Stadium against West Ham, who currently occupy 18th place and remain a point from safety. Despite their league standing, David Moyes’ side are unbeaten at home in the league since January, having taken points off both Manchester United and Manchester City, and registering a victory over Everton during that run.
Maintaining Focus Amid European Success
With a Champions League final against Paris St Germain scheduled for 30th May, Arteta emphasised the need for total dedication to domestic matters for now.
“We will have time to prepare and get ready for the final, but now, the full focus and attention to detail, all the energy now has to be put into West Ham. We made that very clear,” Arteta said.
“I was in a really high emotional state after the (Atletico) game. We know what it means to everybody.
“But, you have to believe me, straight after that, my concentration, my focus, my energy and my attention was West Ham, what do we have to do mentally, physically, tactically and technically to prepare in the best possible way to go there and win the game.”
West Ham’s Home Record and Relegation Battle
West Ham, placed just a point below the relegation zone, have proven resilient at home since January, managing draws with both Manchester United and Manchester City as well as a victory over Everton. Acknowledging the challenge at hand, Arteta commented: “Understanding the context of the game for both clubs is huge. We know the importance of it, we know what we want and what we have to do to win the game.”
