Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his players and supporters to remain focused as the club pushes for both the Premier League and Champions League titles.
The Gunners moved a step closer to a memorable campaign after reaching the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years following a 2-1 aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid earlier this week.
Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain in the final in Budapest on May 30, while they also sit top of the Premier League table, five points ahead of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand.
With three league matches left, Arsenal need three victories to secure their first league title in 22 years.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to face West Ham United, Arteta called on the team to maintain the same mentality that has carried them through the season.
ALSO READ: Saka back in form at crucial time for Arsenal — Arteta
“We are closer and closer and everything that we do now is going to matter to win it or not,” said Arteta.
“Stay present, live the moment, prepare and show the same level of energy, hunger and desire that we have shown all season or more.”
Arsenal’s remaining fixtures include matches against West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace.
Despite the celebrations following their European semi-final success, Arteta insisted his squad’s attention is fully on the battle for three points against the Hammers, who are fighting relegation.
West Ham sit 18th on the table, one point behind Tottenham Hotspur, with three matches remaining in the campaign.
The celebrations that followed Arsenal’s progression to the Champions League final have also generated debate, with former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney describing the scenes at Emirates Stadium as “a little bit too much”.
However, former Arsenal forward Ian Wright defended the players and supporters, saying the achievement deserved celebration.
Meanwhile, Manchester City remain in the title race despite dropping points in a 3-3 draw against Everton earlier in the week.
City, managed by Pep Guardiola, had put together an 11-match unbeaten run to stay within reach of Arsenal and still have fixtures against Brentford, Palace, Bournemouth and Aston Villa to come.
“I love to play at home, what can I say?” Guardiola said.
“Winning our games is all that we can do.”
At the bottom of the table, West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo believes home support could play a major role in the club’s survival battle.
“There is no hiding – being at home is good for us,” said Nuno.
“Especially recently, our fans are giving us extra, so they’ve been really helpful.
“It’s always nervy in these final games of the season. There’s always anxiety in the games so it is up to us to control our nerves and deliver what we want.”
West Ham still have games against Arsenal, Newcastle United and Leeds before the season ends, while Tottenham and Nottingham Forest continue their own fight to avoid relegation.
(BBC)
