Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has vowed that his players will continue to fight relentlessly in the Premier League title race, stating that they will be like a "hammer" ready to pounce if Liverpool falter. Arteta’s comments came ahead of Arsenal’s New Year’s Day clash against Brentford, where he emphasized the importance of consistency and staying focused on the task at hand.

Despite being nine points behind league leaders Liverpool after 18 games, Arteta is determined that Arsenal will remain in the hunt for the title as long as there’s a chance. The Gunners are currently in third place, but Arteta insists that his team must be ready to capitalize if Liverpool or any other rivals slip up, highlighting that history shows the title race is rarely decided this early in the season.

"We have to continue to be like a hammer, be there every day, every day," Arteta said. "If someone wins all the matches, then we congratulate them and go to the next season. But if they don’t – which in history it hasn’t happened – then we will be there."

Although Arteta acknowledged that the title race is not entirely in Arsenal’s hands, he emphasized the need for full focus on their upcoming games, starting with Brentford. With numerous fixtures ahead, Arteta knows the importance of managing his team’s energy and mindset, ensuring they stay competitive across multiple competitions.

Opinion: Arsenal’s Relentless Pursuit of the Title Shows Promise

Arteta’s words come as no surprise to those who have watched Arsenal’s evolution under his leadership. The team has shown impressive resilience and focus in recent seasons, and this mentality of staying persistent—like a hammer—is a key element of their success so far. Arteta has instilled a mentality of never giving up, which is something Arsenal fans have longed for after years of underachievement in the Premier League.

While Arsenal may be trailing Liverpool at the moment, their consistency and ability to grind out results, especially in difficult away matches, make them a formidable opponent. Arteta’s approach, where the team stays focused on the present and doesn't let external factors dictate their mindset, is exactly what any title contender needs to maintain pressure on rivals.

Of course, it’s clear that Arteta’s focus is on the next game rather than obsessing over the title race. This pragmatic approach will serve Arsenal well, as the Premier League is notorious for its twists and turns. If Liverpool slips even once, Arsenal will be ready to pounce, as Arteta rightly notes.

In the long run, however, it may be the team’s depth and ability to handle the relentless fixture schedule that will determine their fate. With so many competitions to juggle, the players must remain fit, focused, and motivated to perform at their best every time they step on the pitch.

While the title may still seem out of reach for now, Arteta’s “hammer” mentality ensures that Arsenal will be there when opportunities arise. And in football, as history has shown, anything can happen. So for Arsenal fans, 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year of potential and promise. Let’s see if their relentless pursuit of success will pay off in the end.