Mikel Arteta plays down Arsenal's title hopes despite seven-point lead at New Year

Despite finishing seven points ahead at the top of the table, the team has downplayed their chances of winning the title.

Mikel Arteta said his side have room for improvement after they lost their way.

He said the gap at the top of the table doesn't mean anything if the other team stumbles.

After Arteta's third anniversary as manager, the club is in a position to win the title for the 14th time.

The knowledge that City had been held to a draw at home earlier in the day was good news for the north London club.

"We know the result of the Manchester City game, but the boost is we have to come here and win, and to do that we have to perform at the highest level in this league," Arteta said.

It was important for us to have a big performance in order to win the game. It was necessary for us to dig in as well.

There are a lot of things we need to improve. There's still room for improvement.

The two teams have played 16 games this year. The City had a 12 point lead over the Gunners at the same time.

Sky Sports spoke to the strikers about their current situation. If you asked us if we wanted this, we'd bite your hand off. We are very pleased.

The England forward said the team are not looking too far ahead with the season not even halfway through.

He said that it is a great opportunity for them. We aren't focused on that right now. We are focused on the next game because we know how well the other team is doing.

The league's third-ranked team will visit the fourth-ranked club on Tuesday.