Brentford clash looms large as Mikel Arteta offers injury update on Arsenal pair

Arsenal are keeping pace with Liverpool and Man City at the top of the Premier League table, in what is turning into one of the best title races that’s been seen in years.

The fixtures calendar has thrown up a potential season-defining game on Sunday as Pep Guardiola’s champions travel to the table-topping Anfield outfit, whilst the Gunners host Brentford.

A win for Mikel Arteta’s men against the Bees, coupled with a draw between the Reds and City, would see Arsenal go top of the table on goal difference.

Another six goals scored against Sheffield United on Monday night gives them a +45 goal difference, compared to Liverpool’s +39 and City’s +35.

Saka and Martinelli went off early for Arsenal

When it comes down to the nitty gritty at the end of the season, who’s to say that it won’t prove to be vitally important.

The victory at Bramall Lane appeared to come at a cost, however, with both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli going off early.

Fortunately, neither problem appears to be serious.

“Bukayo was feeling sick and wasn’t feeling right so we decided to take him off and bring Fabio in,” Arteta said to Sky Sports after the game (h/t Liverpool World).

“With Gabi it is just a cut. So, he had a tackle and got a slight cut. We will have to see how he is.”

After the Champions League game against Porto next week, the Gunners then get a long break owing to Chelsea’s participation in the FA Cup.

The fixture following is Man City at the Etihad Stadium, and that’s one in which Arteta will need all of his star players at their absolute maximum if they want to take another step towards the title.