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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta brushed off talk of Manchester City\u2019s growing lead at the Premier League summit, but did admit injuries were already starting to test his squad.<\/p>\n
The Gunners were pegged back twice by rivals Tottenham on Sunday and dropped points again following an entertaining 2-2 derby draw.<\/p>\n
It left Arsenal already four points off City, who are perfect after six fixtures, with the memory of Pep Guardiola\u2019s side being able to overturn an eight-point deficit in April to clinch title success last season still fresh at the Emirates.<\/p>\n
Guardiola\u2019s City visit north London on October 8 but Arteta, when asked about the current points deficit, insisted: \u201cWe\u2019re not thinking about this. We have a game every three days, we try to win our games.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe tried to win our game again and we didn\u2019t manage it for very obvious reasons. That\u2019s it and we have to improve.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Declan Rice added to Arsenal\u2019s growing injury list when he was forced off at half-time with a back problem.<\/p>\n
It makes the England international an early doubt for Wednesday\u2019s Carabao Cup tie at Brentford, although the ex-West Ham midfielder would likely have been rested in west London anyway.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe had some discomfort in his back. He was telling us during the first half that he was uncomfortable,\u201d Arteta said of Rice.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we assessed him at half-time, he could not continue so we had to change him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to assess him. It\u2019s strange that a player like him asked to come off because he was uncomfortable. Hopefully not (long-term), but let\u2019s see.\u201d<\/p>\n
Arsenal were light of attacking options against Tottenham after Leandro Trossard suffered a muscle problem in the midweek thrashing of PSV Eindhoven and Gabriel Martinelli was absent after picking up a hamstring injury at Everton.<\/p>\n
With Jurrien Timber (knee) out long-term and Thomas Partey sidelined for \u201cweeks\u201d with a groin issue, Arteta\u2019s team are being stretched with cup competitions to juggle alongside league commitments.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt (injuries) was already a test because we missed five big players (for Tottenham), but it\u2019s what we have,\u201d Arteta said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs well, it gives opportunities to the other ones. We have a game every three days and that\u2019s the level we have to show, so go for it.\u201d<\/p>\n
They are really well coached. You can feel the spirit in the team, the energy in them, but I think six games is too early for everybody to discuss where we\u2019ll (all) be.<\/p>\n
Fifth-placed Arsenal remain level on points with Tottenham after this draw and, while Arteta praised Ange Postecoglou\u2019s team, he was reluctant to list them as title contenders.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI think they are a really good side,\u201d he acknowledged.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are really well coached. You can feel the spirit in the team, the energy in them, but I think six games is too early for everybody to discuss where we\u2019ll (all) be.\u201d<\/p>\n