Two areas Mikel Arteta says Arsenal must improve – or they won’t win the league

Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal to improve at both ends of the pitch to end their Premier League slide.

The Gunners had forced themselves into contention for their first league title since 2004 with a brilliant first-half of the campaign. However, they have stuttered over recent weeks with just one win from their previous four league outings.

That run includes defeats to both Aston Villa and West Ham – Tomas Soucek and ex-Gunner Kostas Mavropanos condemning the North London side to defeat at the Emirates.. Asked for his verdict after their reverse, Arteta pinpointed a major problem for his side – their lack of decisiveness in both attack and defence.

Arsenal reject Premier League approach for Eddie Nketiah as transfer stance made clear

Mikel Arteta urged to make Arsenal transfer move for ‘standout’ Ivan Toney alternative

When asked if his side can win the league if they play the way they do, he replied: “If we don’t improve in the boxes, no.

“Because at the end that is what it is. It’s not panic, it is about trying to do more, do better and win games. If the team plays like this, we are going to win a lot of games.

“We have to do what we can control. It’s not time to look at other teams. You see how difficult it is for other teams yesterday and today and it is going to continue to be like that, because the level of the league is incredible.”

It is difficult to argue that Arsenal haven’t experienced a drop-off in form over recent weeks. Their only Premier League win over the festive period came in the 2-0 win against Brighton – that game also representing their only clean sheet in their last six league games.

Will Arsenal beat Fulham? Share your predictions in the comments below

The Gunners have an ideal opportunity to get back on track this weekend as they come up against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Some have suggested that Arsenal are suffering from a lack of confidence ahead of that game, something that Arteta disputes.

He added: “I don’t think it’s that. You hit the ball and it’s half a centimetre. You have I don’t know how many shots, someone blocks the shot and it doesn’t go in. In these situations we have to pick the right pass, there are two players free in the box and I can recall five, six actions of that. That’s what makes the difference to win the games.”

Should Arsenal overcome Fulham, they could potentially head into the New Year top of the Premier League table. Current leaders Liverpool are also in action as they welcome Newcastle to Anfield on Monday evening. Jurgen Klopp’s side have lost just one game so far this season but have drawn two out of their last three games – including the 1-1 stalemate with Arsenal on Merseyside before Christmas.

Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Source