After a 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United, Mikel Arteta convened a squad meeting to “bring the temperature down”. The loss marked Arsenal’s first home setback of the campaign and only their third league loss in 23 games. Arteta praised the players’ “excellent” response, saying it bodes well for the run‑in.

The manager used the pre‑match press conference before Wednesday’s Champions League tie with Kairat to stress Arsenal’s unbeaten European run – seven wins from seven – and their grip on the Premier League. With a possible first league crown since 2004, a domestic cup double and a Champions League push, expectations sit high.

Arteta urged supporters to “jump on the boat”, promising a four‑month spell of enjoyment, courage and conviction. He reminded fans the squad sits four points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa, while recent draws with Nottingham Forest and Liverpool have stalled a win streak. All eyes now turn to the next fixtures.