MIKEL OUT TO REDUCE THE GAP
MIKEL ARTETA admits closing last season’s huge gap between his Arsenal side and champions Liverpool is virtually impossible. But, at the same time, the Gunners boss knows maintaining his own 100 per cent record against Jurgen Klopp’s men this week would be a significant step in the right direction.
Since assuming the reins last December, Arteta has masterminded two wins out of two over the Reds and should they make that a hat-trick tomorrow at Anfield they will stand three points clear of the title-holders.
Which, in itself, would be some achievement given they finished last term a thumping 43 points adrift of the Merseysiders.
No wonder Arteta, whose side also face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Thursday, reckons reducing such a wide divide so soon is such a difficult task.
The Emirates chief said: “I don’t know if in football history someone has closed a gap of 43 points in just a few months.
“What you’re expecting is to be much better and more consistent and then, if they drop their level a little bit, the gap is not that big.”
As for his perfect head-to-head stats with Klopp, Arteta claims they are more to do with his players’ brilliant displays than any magical touchline tactics by himself.
Explaining how to beat Liverpool, he said: “Well, first of all you need an individual performance by all your players.
“Then you need luck in certain moments and you have to be so consistent in everything you do because, in any moment, they can open you up.
“And you must never give up – that’s another crucial thing because you must expect Liverpool to be at their best.”
Liverpool have kicked off their title defence impressively with wins over Leeds and Chelsea.
Arteta added: “I don’t see any complacency.
“They go to any ground and, even when 2-0, 3-0, 4-0 up, they still go at it the same way.
“This is an incredible credit to their coaching team – and the culture and spirit they’ve created.
“There’s not anyone that plays half-and-half on the day or that’s not very interested.
“They just go for it every single minute of every game.
“To do that for 10 months is a massive compliment. That’s why they’ve raised the bar so high.”