Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said he is keen to ‘feel’ the Premier League title race as the season reaches the run-in.
Arsenal sit second in the Premier League table with eight games to go, two points behind leaders Liverpool who moved back to the summit with a 3-1 win over Sheffield United on Thursday.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s clash with Brighton, Arteta was asked whether he will be watching every game involving title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
“I have to feel it because every game will be different,” he said at a pre-match press conference.
“My wife and kids will have a big say on that too! My youngest might want to play Lego or play football in the garden with me. I will try to watch the majority of the games, though, for sure.
“I was watching a bit of both (Thursday’s games) and stayed up until late because the Chelsea v Manchester United game was brilliant. It’s a joy what level the league is and the quality of the players it has.”
Arteta is expecting a tough test against Brighton this weekend and praised Roberto De Zerbi for his work with the Seagulls. The Italian led Brighton a top-six finish last season and the South Coast side are chasing European football again this time around.
“I am very impressed with him. He is a top manager with great staff.
“What they have done on the pitch deserves credit and the way they have ran the club. They are fighting with the top clubs and have done a magnificent job. De Zerbi’s football makes life very difficult for the opponent and they play attractive football.
“We have to select our best line-up. We have to train and get ready to win again. Brighton will be tough, they play well, but we have to be better than them.”
