Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta makes feelings clear when asked who out of Liverpool and Manchester City he wants to win

Mikel Arteta has made it clear he's only concentrating on Arsenal despite keeping a close eye on Liverpool and Manchester City's encounter. Arne Slot's Merseysiders and Pep Guardiola's Cityzens collide in a top-of-the-table clash at Anfield on Sunday (December 1).

The Gunners can move second and within six points of leaders Liverpool with a win over West Ham United on Saturday. Arteta said he would then sit back and watch his fellow two title rivals battle it out (via Hayters TV):

"Hundred percept (I'll be watching). It's a big match, beautiful match to watch, two of the best teams in Europe facing each other, competition for us."

Arteta gave an amusing response when asked whether he has a preference for who comes out on top in that game:

"Yeah Arsenal tomorrow that's the preference. Then we will see, it's something that we cannot control."

Arsenal had run into patchy form last month, especially with captain Martin Odegaard sidelined. They have managed six wins and two defeats in 12 league games, including a shock 2-0 loss to Bournemouth.

Liverpool are steamrolling towards the title in Arne Slot's first season in charge. His men have an eight-point lead over City heading into their game at Anfield.

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Arteta sends message to his Arsenal squad about what's required to catch Liverpool

Arne Slot is overseeing an incredible season at Anfield (Image - Getty)

Arteta has warned his Arsenal players that they'll need to remain consistent to catch Liverpool in the title race. Nine points separates the two teams heading into this weekend. The Spaniard said (via France24):

"If they continue that way, that's for sure (Liverpool will win the title), with the numbers they're producing and the amount of games they're winning. But the focus is on us, maintaining the consistency, especially in performances, that will give us the right to win a lot of games... this is a long run."

Slot's Reds aren't just playing well but also showing the consistency of champions when perhaps not at their best. They came away with a 3-2 win over Southampton last weekend despite spending much of the game in second gear.

The same can't be said for Arteta's Gunners who have failed to deal with disciplinary setbacks this season. A Declan Rice sending off led to a 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion and William Saliba's red card against Bournemouth ended in defeat.