Mikel Arteta brought up Arsenal’s vital 3-1 victory over Premier League title rivals Liverpool on February 4 in Tuesday’s press conference.
The Gunners are currently locked in a tense title race alongside Liverpool and Manchester City, with Jurgen Klopp’s men now seen as the favourites.
Arsenal beat Liverpool at the Emirates just two months ago thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Arteta reminded Liverpool of that result ahead of his side’s fixture against Luton with his second-placed team two points behind the Reds with nine games left.
Quizzed on how he felt heading into a crucial period of the season, Arteta said: ‘I’m really excited.
‘We had these discussions when we played Liverpool a few months ago, it’s a must-win or a not-lose because you know the title is over.
‘That was two months ago! It’s always like that when you look back and you feel the necessity to win and be there and it’s not going to change from now until the end.
‘Obviously, the end is coming. Nine games is still a lot and I just embrace the moment, go game by game and make sure we are fully prepared for tomorrow to perform well.’
Arsenal narrowly missed out on the title last term and William Saliba feels the Gunners would have clinched the trophy were it not for his season-ending injury.
Asked about the narrative of Saliba’s absence ending last season’s title charge, Arteta added: ‘So what is the narrative this season?
‘Saliba is fit so what’s going to happen? There has to be a narrative, no? There has to be a narrative when he doesn’t play and a narrative when he does play.’
Pushed on if Saliba being fit would land Arsenal this season’s title, Arteta said: ‘Let’s take that one! Okay, let’s move on.’
Meanwhile, Arteta has also provided a fitness update on Bukayo Saka after he limped off in the 78th minute of their 0-0 draw against Pep Guardiola’s men.
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