Bullish Arteta accepts demand to win

Mikel Arteta responded to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry's claims that the Gunners were 'too emotional', expressing confidence that Arsenal could return to winning ways after damaging draws against Liverpool and West Ham cost them momentum in the Premier League title race.

"When you set the standards and expectations really high, after you have to maintain them, and to win every game in the Premier League is extremely difficult. It's not like we lost five games in the last six and we are in this situation, it's that you draw two matches, two very difficult fixtures away from home.

"But when you are there you are expected to win, to win, to win, because there's a necessity. To get the Premier League you have to win almost every single game. That's the demand and you have to accept it."

The Gunners let two-goal leads slip in both of their last two games and the leaders are now just four points ahead of defending champions Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

The two title-chasing teams meet at the Etihad Stadium next week in a match that could prove pivotal.

"I don't know the last time we beat Man City so it's going to be a tough one," Henry said on CBS Sports. "The last game against them [a 3-1 defeat in February] didn't reassure me. Since the start of the season I've been talking about emotions and how you don't win league titles with emotion. I'm sorry, but you don't. There is a difference between passion and emotion. You can feel emotions but don't become too emotional, that's the difference. They need to stay calm.

"If I was in the dressing room I would be saying, 'This is the moment. This has to be the moment.' But emotionally they should be composed enough to handle the big moments. It will be amazing if we do it."

Arteta knew exactly what was at stake though. When asked if Arsenal were focused on winning each game as it came, he answered: "Each ball. Now, it's each ball."