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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is gearing up for a relentless battle for top honours amidst a flurry of high-stake fixtures. Sandwiched between huge Champions League quarter-final clashes with Bayern Munich, the Gunners face a familiar Aston Villa side, eager to maintain their Premier League dominance.

Following a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Bayern, Arteta’s focus swiftly shifts to domestic affairs, with Aston Villa eyeing Champions League qualification themselves. Arsenal, aiming to secure their 11th win in 12 league matches, brace for a rigorous test to retain their league summit.

Reflecting on the significance of upcoming fixtures, Arteta underscores their pivotal role in Arsenal’s pursuit of silverware, emphasising the need for unwavering focus amidst the season’s gruelling demands.

“We can be in all competitions, going into the semi-finals of the Champions League and be top of the Premier League, or not,” Arteta asserts, highlighting the decisive nature of each encounter.

“It is the only thing possible to look at one day and one game. It is the only thing that is possible because it’s the only thing that maintains your focus and determines the tasks that you have to do on the day, which is the only thing that you can control.

“It’s the job that we live. 15 minutes [after] we finished against Luton, I was watching Brighton in my office in the stadium. It’s like this because you don’t have time. You have to prepare and you’re onto the next one.”

As Arsenal await the outcomes of matches involving title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, Arteta remains steadfast in his approach, emphasising the importance of controlling the controllable – securing victory against Villa.

“The only thing we can control is winning our game,” Arteta states, dismissing distractions and focusing solely on Arsenal’s performance.

With the season reaching its climax, Arteta anticipates a challenging fixture against Villa, acknowledging the beauty and intensity of the impending fixtures.