Arteta urges Arsenal focus for West Ham clash as title race intensifies after UCL final berth

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told his players to re-focus for Sunday's crucial Premier League match at relegation-threatened West Ham, despite the emotional high of reaching the Champions League final for just the second time in club history. The Gunners secured their UCL final spot with Tuesday's victory over Atletico Madrid but now face a demanding finish to the season.

Arteta emphasized that winning their final three league games - starting with West Ham, then hosting relegated Burnley, and finishing against Crystal Palace - would clinch Arsenal's first English top-flight title in 22 years. Currently five points clear of Manchester City (though having played one more game), Arsenal know the London Stadium trip presents their toughest remaining challenge, especially as West Ham fights to avoid relegation.

The match carries added significance for north London rivals Tottenham, who sit just one point above 18th-place West Ham in the relegation battle. Arteta confirmed midfielders Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber remain injured and are racing to be fit for the May 30 Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest, stating "everything has to be so smooth and quick" for their potential involvement.

With the title race heating up and European ambitions still alive, Arteta's message is clear: maintain the same energy and hunger shown all season, as "everything we do is going to matter" in this decisive phase.

For Nigerian football fans following Arsenal's historic title push, will the Gunners maintain focus amid Champions League distraction, or will the West Ham trip derail their 22-year title wait?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/05/08/arteta-calls-for-arsenal-focus-on-huge-west-ham-clash/