Mikel Arteta has called on Arsenal to show hunger and focus as they prepare to host Fulham in another crucial step in their Premier League title challenge.
The Gunners return to domestic action just days after being held to a 1-1 draw by Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, but Arteta has made it clear that all attention must now turn to the league.
🔴 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝘿𝘼𝙔 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 2, 2026
🆚 Fulham
🕠 5.30pm (UK)
🏆 Premier League
🏟️ Emirates Stadium
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Arsenal are chasing their first Premier League title since the Invincibles season of 2003/04, and with only four matches remaining, the pressure is rising. They remain top of the table, but Manchester City are closing in, sitting three points behind with a game in hand.
Arteta said his players must focus fully on Fulham and show the desire needed to move closer to their dream.
“We are playing to win the Premier League,” he said. “It is exactly where we wanted to be. Four games to go. Ready to go.”
The Arsenal manager admitted that everything is now at stake, with every point potentially decisive in the title race.
However, Arsenal will again be without Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber for Saturday’s match. Havertz has been sidelined since picking up an injury against Newcastle United, while Timber has been out since March.
Arteta described Havertz as a major absence, calling him one of Arsenal’s most important attacking players, but added that the forward could return for the second leg against Atletico Madrid.
Fulham arrive with ambitions of their own. Sitting 10th on 48 points, they remain close to the European places and are part of a congested battle involving Brighton, Bournemouth, Chelsea and Brentford.
For Arsenal, though, the equation is simple. With Manchester City applying pressure and the title race entering its final stretch, Fulham represent another test of nerve, maturity and championship mentality.
