Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has encouraged his players to express their ambitions but urged caution after star winger Bukayo Saka confidently spoke about the club’s Premier League title chances.
The Gunners have had a strong start to the season, remaining unbeaten in the Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup. However, despite their promising form, they have been held to draws by Manchester City and Brighton, leaving them third in the Premier League table as they head into the weekend.
Saka, who scored in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday, expressed optimism about Arsenal’s chances this season. “I don’t want to put too much pressure on us, but I do think this is the year,” the England international told CBS Sports. “We’ve been close the last two years, and we’re getting closer. But yeah, hopefully, this will be the year.”
While Arteta didn’t reprimand Saka for his bold prediction, he offered a more measured perspective. He reminded his players that it is still early in the season, with just six Premier League games played, and stressed the importance of focusing on day-to-day progress rather than long-term goals.
They are free to talk about it and express their feelings, and if they believe that, great—because belief is the first thing you need to achieve any dream,” said Arteta. “But we have only played six games, and we are very far from it. We don’t talk about winning the title. We talk about game by game, training sessions, and how we can improve.”
Arteta emphasised that success would come naturally if the team continues to focus on its development. “If we are good enough at the end of the season, we will have a chance to achieve it,” he added.
Arsenal are favourites to extend their unbeaten run when they face Southampton on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium.