The Digest:
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has dismissed suggestions that his team is "bottlers" ahead of Sunday's north London derby against Tottenham, rejecting the term as "not part of my vocabulary." The Gunners' title challenge has faltered with just two wins from their last seven league games, after successive draws against Brentford and Wolves. Second-placed Manchester City now trails by five points but holds a game in hand. Arteta, who has led Arsenal to runners-up finishes in the last three campaigns, said: "I don't think anybody wants to do that as an intention. You have to take it on the chin." Despite the league dip, Arsenal remain in the League Cup final, Champions League last 16, and the FA Cup. Tottenham, currently 16th, will be led by new manager Igor Tudor in his first north London derby after replacing Thomas Frank.
Key Points:
- Arteta's rejection of the "bottlers" label aims to shield players from psychological pressure.
- The north London derby offers an immediate chance to rebuild momentum.
- Arsenal's season hinges on response, while City lurks with a game in hand.
- This signals the mental battle accompanying title challenges.
- The timing, against struggling Spurs, demands a statement performance.
Sources: Complete Sports, Soccernet
