Arsenal are ‘right in the mix’ for the Premier League title this season, according to manager Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal continue their push for the title with a home clash against Newcastle on Saturday evening, with the Gunners currently five points behind leaders Liverpool.
The north Londoners have won five consecutive Premier League games, scoring 21 goals, though suffered a midweek setback after defeat to Porto in the Champions League.
However, Arteta insists there is confidence in the club’s challenge with his side ‘right in the mix’ at the top of the table.
“Internally [within the group], I feel a lot of excitement as we are right in the mix [in the Premier League title race] and want to continue to be there,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference.
“In the Champions League we have a fantastic game to play at the Emirates [against Porto].
“Externally, it is different, because the focus is on another two teams [Liverpool and Manchester City], but that is it.”
Arsenal’s first meeting with Newcastle ended in controversy this season as Anthony Gordon scored a contentious winner for the Magpies at St James’ Park. Arteta was charged with misconduct for his comments at full-time, in which the Spaniard criticised VAR.
Ahead of the return encounter, Arteta said he hopes the Premier League can continue to improve its use of technology.
“What we all wanted in the end was decision that are better. The last statistics we have seen showed a significant improvement [in decision]. Hopefully that is the case and we continue to see that.
“I talked the way I felt and I was very straight. I did it in a way that was strong, but within the law, as I didn’t get charged [punished] for that.”
