Gunners five points clear, eye crucial West Ham clash after reaching Champions League final

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his players to remain fully focused ahead of a crucial Premier League clash against West Ham, despite the club’s recent success in reaching the UEFA Champions League final.

Arteta stressed that the Gunners must avoid distractions as they push to secure their first English league title in 22 years, with just three games remaining. A win in all three matches would confirm Arsenal as champions.

A trip to relegation-threatened West Ham is seen as their toughest remaining fixture, followed by a home game against already relegated Burnley and a final clash with Crystal Palace, scheduled just days before the Eagles feature in the UEFA Conference League final.

Arsenal recently booked their place in the Champions League final for only the second time in their history after a victory over Atletico Madrid. However, Arteta insisted there is little time to dwell on that achievement with a showdown against Paris Saint-Germain looming in Budapest on May 30.

“Stay present, live in the moment, prepare and show the same level of energy, hunger and desire we have shown all season — or more,” Arteta said.

“We are getting closer and closer, and everything we do now is going to matter.”

Arsenal currently sit five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table, although Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand.

The outcome at the London Stadium could also impact the relegation battle, with Tottenham Hotspur just one point above 18th-placed West Ham.

“Understanding the conditions of the game for both clubs, it’s huge. Obviously, we know the importance of it, we know what we want, and we know what we have to do to win the game,” Arteta added.

Meanwhile, Arteta confirmed that Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber remain sidelined and are racing against time to be fit for the Champions League final.