Mikel Arteta believes that nothing has changed in the Premier League title race, even though his Arsenal side have slipped to second in the table following a 0-0 draw with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The heavyweight contest was unable to live up to its billing as both sides struggled to create any clear-cut opportunities, with Arsenal's well-organised low block restricting Man City from breaking through the lines.
A close-range header from Nathan Ake saved by David Raya earlier in the first half was the closest the hosts came to breaking the deadlock, while Gabriel Jesus provided an occasional threat against his former club.
Both sides eventually had to settle for a share of the spoils, allowing Liverpool – who beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 earlier on Sunday afternoon – to move two points clear at the summit, with Arsenal dropping down to second and Man City remaining in third, three points adrift of the Merseysiders with nine games left to play.
Although Arsenal boasted just 27% possession and only two shots on target in what turned out to be a cagey contest with Man City, Arteta has heaped praise on Arsenal's defensive resilience and ability to compete against the "best" team and manager - Pep Guardiola - in the world.
"It was a thrilling game. A really tough match," Arteta told reporters at a post-match press conference. "I think we competed really well. Defensively we were outstanding.
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"We were really good and created a lot of difficulties high up the pitch. [Man City] get you in this low block and it's really hard to get out. It's three years that they haven't scored at home. The downside is that we had some situations with the ball.
Discussing the progress of his Gunners team and were he sees them in the title race, Arteta added: "[The result against Man City] generates belief. It continues momentum. The fact that the boys are there that tells you just how much the boys want it.
"[Man City] are the best team in the world by far. They have the best manager in the world by far. Our challenge is to try and catch up.
"We are improving and we are understanding how to compete in these games. There's another step to make and you have to win. Today we were able to draw, but you have to win.
"Nothing changes (in the title race) We wanted to win but we didn't, we know the Liverpool result but we need to just carry on. There is still a lot to play for."
Arsenal's perfect eight-game start to 2024 has now come to an end and they will be looking to make a swift return to winning ways when they welcome Luton Town to the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
Oliver Thomas
