Despite coming up just short and losing out to Manchester City by two points in last season’s Premier League table, Arsenal went on an incredible run in the second half of the season. The Gunners won 16 out of their last 18 league games, amassing a total of 49 points that dragged themselves into real contention for the honours.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Aston Villa (kick-off 17:30). Here are the key lines from his news conference:

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will do battle in a white-hot atmosphere as the rival clubs face off under the lights at Emirates Stadium.

Losing to Aston Villa twice played a major role in Arsenal falling short in last season's Premier League title race, and manager Mikel Arteta does not want to take Unai Emery's side for granted despite a win at Villa Park in August.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed a double fitness boost ahead of the Premier League derby against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.The Gunners are presently six points

Arsenal “cannot win the title” this season after Mikel Arteta prioritised signing Mikel Merino over a striker in the summer, according to Jamie Carragher.

There is never a good time to lose a north London derby but for both Mikel Arteta and Ange Postecoglou a defeat on Wednesday would only serve to further rile fanbases whose murmurs of discontent have grown more audible.

The Gunners head into the game following a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Mikel Arteta insists it is not a two-horse race between Arsenal and Liverpool in the battle for the Premier League title.