Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has refused to accept that his team are the favourites to win the Premier League title this season, despite leading the table by three points.

The Gunners moved to the top after a 1-0 win over Fulham, while Liverpool’s 2-1 home loss to Manchester United gave them an advantage. Arsenal have now gone unbeaten in five straight league games and eight matches across all competitions, putting them in a strong position as the season progresses.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, Arteta said he prefers to focus on his players’ performance and mentality rather than outside opinions. “What gives me belief is seeing the team’s energy, quality, and commitment,” he said. “That gives me conviction we can go all the way — but feelings are not enough; you must prove it every day.”

Arteta added that the team must stay grounded and not get distracted by the “narrative” surrounding Liverpool’s defeat. “Every game in this league is a must-win. We know how demanding it is, so we cannot get carried away,” the Spaniard explained.

Arsenal fans remain hopeful that the team can finally lift the Premier League trophy after years of near misses, but Arteta insists that consistency and focus will be the keys to their title ambitions.