Arsenal are one of the biggest clubs in the world with a global fanbase, so the nerves among supporters are being felt both inside Emirates Stadium and in the wider arena, particularly on social media.
AFTV on YouTube is one of the outlets synonymous with fan views and founder Robbie Lyle agrees with Arteta that fans and players need to embrace the challenge of a title race.
“We’re going to have a lot more of these games between now and the end of the season,” Lyle told BBC Sport at a Kick It Out event which is aiming to make the pub a more inclusive space for fans.
“Every team thinks, ‘how can we stop Arsenal?’ Keep it tight and get the anxiety flowing. This is what it is going to be from now until the end of the season.
“I still think Arsenal are good enough to win this league, I still think they are going to win this league. Just treat that as a lesson. In life you have lessons. That was a lesson on Sunday, go now and go and beat Leeds and let’s get back on track.”
Like many Arsenal fans, the pain of missing out for three successive years, and not winning any trophy since the 2020 FA Cup, is a factor in why things feel so desperate.
“Three years in a row we have come second.” added Lyle. “Even though I’m trying my hardest to be calm, I’m thinking, ‘oh no, we’re not going to do this again are we?’ I think it is just a natural thing.
“I have been to every game this season. We are the best team in this league – just go and win the thing now.
“We’re trying to help them but we’re nervous as well.”
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