Arteta reveals powerful message shared with Arsenal as club chases history
By Luke Oluoch, May 8, 2026Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has revealed the motivational message to the players and the fans ahead of a potential Premier League and Champions League double.
Gunners are currently leading Manchester City in an intense domestic league campaign that seems destined to peak in a first league trophy since 2004, while a splendid form in Europe saw the club reach a first UEFA Champions League final for the first time in two decades.
4 decisive games
With only four games left in the campaign, Arsenal is assured of clinching the title ahead of fierce and bitter rivals Manchester City, who next face Brentford this Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Etihad.
On the European front, Gunners are in their first UCL final and could make history by clinching their first elite European competition, which they last reached the final in the 2005/06 season.
Message to players
The feat will mark an extraordinary season, with a feat never achieved by the club in its history.
“Stay present, live for the moment, prepare, and show the same level of energy, hunger, and desire we have shown all through,” he stated in his message to players.
“We are closer and much closer, and everything we do now is going to matter in the moment,” he added.
His sentiments follow after his nemesis and master Pep Guardiola rallied his charges to give it all as the title race goes down to the final four games of the campaign.
Speaking while previewing the clash against the London opposition, Guardiola expressed optimism that playing their game at home could prove pivotal in shifting the title advantage back in their favour.
Playing at home
“I love to play at home, what can I say? So hopefully [the fans] can come and help us put pressure on Arsenal,” he stated.
“Winning our games is all that we can do.”
The encounter will be City’s first after seeing their title race take a hit after they battled to salvage a 3-3 draw against David Moyes’s side thanks to a last-gasp equaliser from Jeremie Doku.
Despite the dramatic comeback, the result left the former champions trailing Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in a fierce two-horse race as the season nears its conclusion.