Arteta: Arsenal's Next 3 Fixtures Could Define their Season

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said the next week would be decisive in guaranteeing his side is not dragged into an unexpected relegation battle.

The Gunners have secured one win in their past 10 Premier League games, a run which has seen them slide down the Premier League table to 15th position.

"I don't make any excuses," said Arteta, who succeeded the sacked Unai Emery in December 2019," Arteta.

The 38-year-old Spaniard retains the backing of the Arsenal hierarchy.

The Gunners are set to host Chelsea on Saturday and then face trips to two of the sides below them - Brighton, whose only home win in 2020 came against Arsenal last season, and West Brom.

"Yes, absolutely. The next seven to eight days are going to be crucial to see where we're going to be heading to in the Premier League," Arteta said when asked whether the next week is important if his side are to avoid becoming serious relegation candidates. 

"I have been very clear in many moments that we are losing football matches. It is my responsibility to put that right and, regardless of what happens, it's been us that have let ourselves down and it's down to us to change that," Arteta added.