According to The Guardian, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has dismissed claims that his team are “bottlers” as they prepare for a high-stakes North London Derby this weekend. The Gunners currently hold a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, but a surging Manchester City side is breathing down their necks.
The “lifestyle” of the Premier League has dominated social media this week, with players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer being the subject of intense transfer gossip. However, the focus remains on the pitch as Arsenal looks to avoid the “self-sabotage” that critics claim has plagued their previous title charges.
Meanwhile, Manchester City is preparing for a tough encounter against Newcastle at the Etihad. The psychological warfare between Arteta and City’s Pep Guardiola has reached a fever pitch, with both managers utilizing their pre-match press conferences to trade subtle barbs.
Off the pitch, the “WAGs” and lifestyle influencers associated with the clubs have been trending on TikTok, showcasing the high-fashion side of the English top flight as London Fashion Week concludes.
* Sports Illustrated (Soccer): “The Gunners still have a five-point advantage but that could be whittled down by Manchester City.”
* The Guardian (Live Updates): “Mikel Arteta insisted that Arsenal are not ‘bottlers’ ahead of the North London Derby.”
Echotitbits take:
The “bottler” narrative is the most tiring but effective trope in English soccer media. If Arsenal wins the derby, they likely win the league. If they drop points, the “meltdown” on social media will be historic. This is peak entertainment where sports meets soap opera—expect the North London Derby to be the most-watched event of the weekend.
Source: BBC — https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cjwzqn3e193oFebruary 21, 2026
Photo credit: BBC
