“We have to continue to be like a hammer” - Mikel Arteta tells Arsenal players what they must do to catch Liverpool in Premier League title race

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sent a public message to his players on how they can beat Liverpool to the 2024-25 Premier League title. The manager shared the message to his players as they prepare to face Brentford on New Year's Day.

Arteta has seen his side stumble on a number of occasions this season, leaving them in third place in the league standings, nine points behind leaders Liverpool. The Gunners have a chance to narrow the gap to six points when they face the Bees away on Wednesday, and Arteta expects them to be up for the challenge. He said in his press conference that he wants his team to continue pushing on a daily basis and compete on all fronts.

“We have to continue to be like a hammer, be there every day, every day, and if someone wins all the matches then congratulate them and then go to the next season," Arteta said (via Mirror). "But if they don’t - which in history it hasn’t happened - then we will be there.

“It doesn’t depend on us. But we will have full focus on Brentford because our minds have to be on what we have to do. We have to recover because not just now but also in the next few weeks, we have so many games, so many competitions and we need to be right up there.”

Arsenal overcame Ipswich Town in their most recent league game, securing a 1-0 win despite the absence of talismanic forward Bukayo Saka through injury. The Gunners will need to repeat the trick against the Bees, who are 12th in the league. A win for Arteta's side will see them begin the second stanza of the season in second place, only behind Liverpool.

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Brentford boss rules out January move for Arsenal, Liverpool target

Brentford manager Thomas Frank has ruled out the possibility of star forward Bryan Mbeumo completing a transfer away in the January transfer window. The Cameroon international has been linked with a move to Arsenal and Liverpool after a series of impressive displays for the Bees.

Frank spoke about the transfer rumors surrounding the 25-year-old during his press conference ahead of facing the Gunners. The manager reiterated that Mbeumo loves playing for the Bees and is enjoying an impressive season at the club. He said via 90min:

"In January? I would say good luck. We love Bryan. He loves playing here. He has had a fantastic season, so nothing will happen."

Liverpool consider Mbeumo, who has scored 10 Premier League goals this season, to be an option in the case of Mohamed Salah's departure. The forward is also on the shortlist of Arsenal, who are looking at making a signing to replace the injured Bukayo Saka.