Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a stern message to his squad amid their ongoing Premier League title challenge, stating that players unable to cope with the intense scrutiny and pressure—"the noise and bullets"—should consider leaving the club.
The comments came during a press conference on Friday, February 21, 2026, ahead of Arsenal's crucial North London derby clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Arteta was responding to questions about managing external distractions and criticism as the Gunners push to end their 22-year wait for a league title, with recent form raising concerns after they won only two of their last seven Premier League matches.
When asked how to prevent the surrounding "noise" from overwhelming his players, Arteta replied firmly: “You ask them the question: Do you want to be part of the noise? Or not? If not, go and do something else. Be part of a different club or do you want to be Arsenal?”
He continued: “And everybody has been demanding for 10 years, 15 years that we need to go back there [fighting for the title] and now we are there. And now what? You don’t want noise? Noise is part of it and the bullets are part of that and we try to deal with it in the right way and achieve what we are looking for.”
The remarks highlight Arteta's emphasis on mental resilience as Arsenal sit in a tight title race. Recent results, including a 2-2 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers where they squandered a two-goal lead, have intensified discussions about the squad's ability to handle pressure. Manchester City's victory shortly before the press conference narrowed the gap at the top to just two points, heightening the stakes for the upcoming derby.
Arteta's approach reflects his philosophy of embracing challenges rather than shying away from them. He has previously stressed the need for his team to remain focused on the present and block out external influences, a stance he reiterated in post-match comments after the Wolves game, where he urged players to take "any hit, any bullet."
The manager's words come at a pivotal moment for Arsenal, who have shown strong performances this season but face criticism over consistency in big matches. The North London derby represents a key opportunity to regain momentum and silence doubters, with a win potentially restoring their position at the summit.
Arteta, who has transformed Arsenal into genuine contenders since taking charge in December 2019, has built a young, ambitious squad capable of challenging for silverware. His direct challenge to the players underscores the high expectations at the club, where returning to title contention has been a long-term goal for fans and stakeholders.
The comments have been widely reported by outlets including BBC Sport, ESPN, Press Association, and others, with coverage noting the motivational tone amid mounting pressure. Arteta's message serves as both a warning and an invitation to embrace the intensity that accompanies competing at the highest level in English football.
As Arsenal prepare for Tottenham, the focus remains on whether the squad can rise to the occasion and prove they are equipped to thrive in the "noise" of a genuine title pursuit.
