“We write our own destiny” — Arteta fires back at ‘bottlers’ claims

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has dismissed suggestions that his team are “bottlers” as the Premier League title race intensifies ahead of Sunday’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal’s title charge has come under scrutiny after successive league draws against Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers, leaving them with just two wins in their last seven Premier League matches. The dip has allowed second-placed Manchester City to move within five points of the Gunners, with a game in hand.

However, Arteta has rejected the narrative that his side are faltering under pressure.

“It’s not part of my vocabulary and I don’t see it like this because I don’t think anybody wants to do that as an intention,” Arteta said when asked about the label.

“That’s individual opinion, perspective. You have to respect that. You lose two points against Wolves in the manner that the game played out, you have to take it on the chin. It’s part of our role.

“What I’m very interested in is the next one — what we are made of, what we love about this and how we write our own destiny from here.”

Despite their recent stumble, Arsenal remain in contention on multiple fronts. The North London club has reached the League Cup final and advanced to the last 16 of both the Champions League and the FA Cup.

Meanwhile, Tottenham, currently 16th in the table, will head into the derby under newly appointed manager Igor Tudor, who replaced Thomas Frank last week.

Sunday’s encounter presents Arteta’s men with an opportunity to silence critics and reaffirm their title ambitions in one of the season’s defining fixtures.