EPL: Arsenal Eye 7-Point Lead Over Man City

Arteta's Arsenal injury update

Mikel Arteta provides updates on Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Riccardo Calafiori, and Ben White's injuries ahead of Wolves match. Arsenal is on the verge of making history with a potential quadruple and their first league title in 22 years

“The position we are in is a privilege and we take it and because we have earned it...” 

Mikel Arteta is loving the healthy competition between Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke at Arsenal. He believes this friendly rivalry is benefiting both the team and the England national squad. Madueke has seized opportunities when Saka was injured, making a strong impression in his debut season with the Gunners and impressing in England's World Cup qualifying campaign.

Arteta experimented with Saka in a central midfield role during Arsenal's 4-0 win over Wigan Athletic, and he's considering making it a regular feature. Saka looked comfortable in the new position, creating chances and linking play effectively. This adds another dimension to Arsenal's attack, and Arteta might explore this further, especially with the team's injury challenges.

Arteta provides fitness updates on Havertz, Calafiori and White 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 17, 2026

Bukayo Saka had been dominating the right side of the attack for Arsenal and England before an injury sidelined him for 14 months. However, with Noni Madueke in form and injuries to Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz, Mikel Arteta shifted Saka to a more central role, and he thrived in the 4-0 FA Cup win over Wigan.

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Saka and Madueke's competitive nature even led to a friendly rivalry in the gym, according to Arteta, but off the pitch, they're great mates.

“We were in the gym and they were testing and everybody was trying to compete with each other and those two were hilarious as usual,” said Arteta at a press conference ahead of Wednesday's trip to Wolves.

“It is great to witness because it is natural. The way they like each other so much, they are constantly together and there is certain competition for places, but they take it from an incredible side.

“The team and them get the benefit of that.”

Arsenal is on the verge of making history. With a win over Wolves, they can open up a seven-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, bringing them closer to their first league title in 22 years. Mikel Arteta's team is also in contention for an unprecedented quadruple, having cruised into the Champions League last 16 with a 100% record, and reaching the League Cup final against City next month and the FA Cup fifth round.

Arteta's men have been performing exceptionally well, and their position at the top of the Premier League is a “privilege” earned through consistent excellence over seven months. With key players like Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz expected to return soon, Arsenal is looking strong. Would you like to know more about Arsenal's chances in the League Cup final or their upcoming match against Wolves.

“The position we are in is a privilege and we take it and because we have earned it,” added Arteta.

“Seven-and-a-half months is a long time to every single day do the right things and perform at the level we are performing. We need to embrace that.”

Mikel Arteta is hopeful that Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz could be fit for Sunday's north London derby against Tottenham, despite missing Wednesday's trip to Molineux. Both players were injured, but Arteta is optimistic about their recovery.

On the other hand, defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White have been cleared for Wednesday's match against Wolves after injury scares against Wigan. Calafiori had been replaced by Bukayo Saka in the starting lineup against Wigan, but he's now available for selection.