ARTETA DEMANDS A RESPONSE

ready to be living these kinds of weeks and we want to be living these kinds of weeks.

“Don’t feel sorry for yourself — if we want to be here we have to be prepared because this is a possibility.”

City and Liverpool were also knocked out of Europe this week.

City’s Champions League elimination by Real Madrid saw Pep Guardiola reveal that Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne had both asked to be subbed.

And that came after midfield lynchpin Rodri had asked to be rested for last weekend’s league clash with Luton.

Arsenal have a younger squad than their two rivals and Arteta was adamant they still had enough juice left in the tank to lift the title.

He said: “I’m sure that the players are going to squeeze every drop of energy and effort and that they can.

Energy

“There is still so much energy in this group, especially with what we are playing for. That’s not going to be a concern for sure.”

Arteta was pleased with the news that FA Cup replays will be scrapped from next season.

The Spaniard argued that the calendar was so congested for the top teams that something had to give.

He said: “I understand every point of view. Ours and mine is to protect our players.”

Arteta was also quick to pay tribute to Chips Keswick, with the former Gunners chairman having passed away at the age of 84.

“To his family, very grateful,” Arteta said.

“He was chairman when I was captain. He’s very well respected and loved around the football club. He’s done a lot to protect the values of the club and may he rest in peace.”