Mikel Arteta has urged both his Arsenal F.C. players and supporters to remain composed as the Premier League title race intensifies.
The Gunners travel to face Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday in the first of their final nine league fixtures of the 2025-26 campaign, with Manchester City F.C. closely chasing in the battle for the crown.
Arsenal preserved their five-point advantage over City—who still have a game in hand—after edging 10-man Chelsea F.C. 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium. However, tension filled the closing moments, and Arteta was seen urging the home crowd to stay calm as his side struggled to see out the contest. Chelsea even had a late equaliser ruled out for offside despite being a man down.
Arteta stressed the importance of game management, especially in high-pressure moments. “We talk about every aspect of the game, and managing a game, managing a result, managing a set-time context; you have 10 men against eleven,” he said. “It’s a very important one. So, we discuss everything.”
Addressing the supporters, the Spaniard noted that while passion is natural, players must be allowed to make clear decisions on the pitch. He explained that constant instructions from the stands can complicate matters, adding that patience is crucial when building attacks the right way.
Brighton, meanwhile, climbed to 11th following a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest F.C., sealed by a late strike from Danny Welbeck.
Seagulls manager Fabian Hurzeler praised Welbeck’s influence and suggested the former Arsenal forward could be a valuable asset for England at the upcoming World Cup. While acknowledging selection decisions rest elsewhere, Hurzeler highlighted Welbeck’s leadership, character, and ability to unite a squad, describing him as a player any coach would welcome.