Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has vowed that his team will pursue victory in their upcoming Premier League title showdown against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, rejecting any suggestion of settling for a draw. Despite a stalemate placing Arsenal in a strong position atop the table, Arteta emphasized that his focus remains firmly on winning the match.

Speaking ahead of the crucial fixture, Arteta reiterated that Arsenal has not considered defensive tactics or “parking the bus,” a strategy sometimes employed to secure a draw. “We want to win the game. We are there to win the game. We haven’t talked about that,” he said. “We need to win the game. And we are preparing to win the game. There will be no difference to any stadium we have been to in the last five years.”

The encounter comes nearly two years after a goalless draw between the sides at the same venue, a result which then-Manchester City midfielder Rodri described as a turning point in that season’s title race due to Arsenal’s perceived cautious approach. This time, Arteta has made clear that Arsenal intends to approach the game with a more attacking mindset, viewing it as a significant opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the league standings.

“It’s certainly the most important one because it’s the next one,” Arteta remarked. “We have earned the right to be in this position, to be challenging and with the opportunity to win against arguably the best team and the best manager this league has ever seen. We can’t wait to play the game, and we’re going to prepare to win it. We see that as a big opportunity for us.”

Arteta also referenced the team’s recent progress in the Champions League, where Arsenal secured their first back-to-back semifinal appearances in club history after a goalless draw with Sporting CP. He views this momentum as something to harness heading into Sunday’s high-stakes league fixture.

The manager highlighted his methods of motivating the squad, including symbolic gestures such as lighting a small fire during training sessions, intended to inspire resolve and dispel negativity. “Every game we use different themes to prepare in the best way. Sometimes they are more visual and sometimes they are more simple. It is crystal clear what we are playing for,” Arteta explained.

Looking ahead, he acknowledged the challenges that remain in Arsenal’s fixture list, noting upcoming tough away matches and European commitments. Nevertheless, his message was unequivocal: the team is prepared to confront Manchester City with ambition and intent in their quest to secure the Premier League title.