Mikel feels side starting to turn

MIKEL ARTETA knows the stakes have never been higher.

- BY NICK CALLOW

After transforming Arsenal from Europa League hopefuls into genuine Premier League and Champions League contenders, the Gunners boss is preparing for the defining season of his short managerial career.

"Yes, I do," he says with certainty when asked if he thinks his team can win the title. "But it's getting more and more competitive each year. The level is increasing, and so our demands have to increase too."

Arsenal again came heartbreakingly close last season, only to falter amid a lack of ability to win close games during a storm of injuries to key players like Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel, and top scorer Kai Havertz.