'We have to focus on us' – Arteta urges Arsenal not to look over shoulder in title fight

Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal to focus only on themselves in the title race and not get distracted by what the teams below them are doing.

Arsenal opened up a nine-point lead at the top of the table on Saturday with their 3-0 win over Sunderland, but Manchester City's dramatic victory over Liverpool the following day cut that back down to six.

And with City facing Fulham on Wednesday before Arsenal visit Brentford, that gap could have narrowed to three by the time the Gunners kick off.

Arsenal remain heavy favourites to end their 22-year wait for the Premier League title, with the Opta supercomputer giving them a 90.2% chance of finishing top.

But Arteta says Arsenal cannot be looking over their shoulders and must keep their eyes on the game ahead of them.

"I understand [frustration that City won], but these are things we cannot control," Arteta said.

"We have to focus on us, in the present, and every three days, what's coming, and just enjoy that.

"Remain focused, because that's [City playing twice before Arsenal are next in action] going to happen between now and the end of the season, as it has happened in the last six months, so it’s something normal, natural – and I'm looking forward to it."

Arsenal are looking to make it three wins on the bounce in the Premier League when they face Brentford, and they have won their last three away games against the Bees by an aggregate score of 7-1.

Arsenal have lost just one of their last 23 Premier League London derbies (W17 D5), with two such games coming up in their next three Premier League matches, as they also face Tottenham next weekend.

Spurs announced on Wednesday that they had parted ways with head coach Thomas Frank, who was previously in charge of Brentford, following a dismal run of form that has seen them slump to just five points clear of the relegation zone.

"Well, it's obviously very sad news when you have a colleague that doesn't continue doing his job, because Thomas is an excellent coach, and an extraordinary man as well – and he’s proven that in the league," Arteta said of Frank.

"We know where we are, and how our responsibility is beyond just performance, and I wish him all the very best with whatever he decides to do next."

Questioned about his own longevity, having been at Arsenal for just over six years, Arteta added: "I think every era is different at every club.

"I think, in the Premier League, we have two of the most iconic managers, with Arsene [Wenger] and Sir Alex [Ferguson] for so many years.

"It has changed a lot for both clubs, so I don't know – it depends on many factors, and the first one is to have the players right behind you, enjoying what they do, and believing in what you do – it's a big thing.

"And then, you have to win a lot of games, because in the end, if you don't do that, you're not going to continue in a job."