Premier League: Arsenal Travel to West Ham in Title Run-In

Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to keep their edge before West Ham test

Mikel Arteta urges his players to keep their focus ahead of the trip to West Ham, with Arsenal leading the Premier League and chasing a first title since 2004.

“We will have time to prepare and get ready for the final, but now, the full focus and attention to ‌detail...”

Mikel Arteta has told his squad not to lose their hunger as Arsenal head into a crucial three-week stretch that could end with the club’s first Premier League crown since 2004 and a maiden Champions League title.

 

The Arsenal boss watched his side book a place in the Champions League final with victory over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. Domestically, they sit five points clear at the top with three games left, though Manchester City in second have a match in hand.

 

Speaking to the media before Sunday’s trip to West Ham, Arteta outlined what he expects from his players and had a message for the Arsenal supporters.

“Stay present. Live in ⁠the moment. Prepare and ‌show the same level of energy, hunger and desire we have shown all season, or more. We are closer and closer, and everything we do is going to matter,” the manager said on Friday.

Although the Champions League final against holders Paris Saint-Germain is scheduled for May 30th, Arteta told his players to keep their attention on 18th-placed West Ham, who are fighting to avoid the drop.

“We will have time to prepare and get ready for the final, but now, the full focus and attention to ‌detail, all the energy now has to be put into West Ham. We made that very clear,” Arteta said.

“I was in a really high emotional state after the (Atletico) game. We know what it means to everybody.”

▶️ Now playing: Mikel’s pre-West Ham press conference 🎙️

Watch LIVE now on https://t.co/4KJlfKW7rt 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 8, 2026

“But, you have to believe me, straight after that, my concentration, my focus, my energy and my attention was West Ham, what do we have to do mentally, physically, tactically and technically to prepare in the ‌best possible way to go there and win the game.”

Mikel Arteta has provided a fitness update on Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber 👇

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 8, 2026

Sitting one point outside the relegation safety line, West Ham have gone unbeaten at home in the league since January, drawing with both Manchester United and Manchester City and defeating Everton.

“Understanding the context of the game for both clubs is huge. We know the importance of it, we know what ⁠we want and what ⁠we have to do to ‌win the game,” Arteta said.

All eyes on the Premier League. pic.twitter.com/XZ7QehjH8N

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 8, 2026