Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal ‘have a good chance’ of being crowned champions and tips the title race to go right to the wire… as he backs Bukayo Saka to play a ‘decisive’ role in the run-in amid the winger’s fitness concerns

Mikel Arteta is confident Arsenal ‘have a good chance’ of being champions — and believes that the title will be decided in the last game of the season.

The Gunners have scored the most goals (72) and conceded the least (24) in the league, yet find themselves two points behind leaders Liverpool with Manchester City closing in from third place.

Ahead of Arsenal’s game against Brighton on Saturday, Arteta said: ‘This is the level and it’s been the level in this league for the past six or seven years. The margins are so small, let’s see those numbers at the end of the last game and hopefully if those are maintained, I think we have a good chance.

‘We’re still not at the top and we have to transform that into winning and winning and winning, and it’s the only way to have the chance in the last game of the season to do it.’

Bukayo Saka will undergo a late fitness test today to assess his availability for Saturday’s match, and his manager does not think the winger faces burnout.

Arsenal have scored the most goals and conceded the fewest in the league this season

‘I’m super positive, I think he’s going to fly and be so decisive,’ said Arteta.

‘Because he’s so strong, how much he wants it when you talk to him. He’s getting better and better and it’s normal to have little niggles. You have kicks and he’s gone through a lot of that in the last two or three years and look at the way he’s performing.’

Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Luton on Wednesday was the first time in Arteta’s career that he has gone unbeaten in 10 league games. That has created an aura felt around his side.

‘It’s very difficult to have the feeling of what the opponents are feeling,’ he said.

‘I’ve been in the tunnel playing with a different shirt and looking at the Invincibles and I did have the feeling that tonight is going to be really tough. Hopefully we can create that and that’s something very positive for the team.’

The match also highlighted the talents of Emile Smith Rowe, who has been plagued by injury in recent times and largely occupied the bench. He was awarded man of the match on just his third league start of the season.

Arteta said: ‘I look at him and what happened in the last two seasons. What happened three seasons ago as well. Take all that. It’s the best thing that could’ve happened for him in his career if he uses it in the right way now, so don’t look back and say “If, if”. No, this happened, use it.

‘You can see the hell of a player that we have in him when he’s fit and playing at that level.’

Arteta has backed Bukayo Saka to play a ‘decisive’ role in the title run-in despite the winger’s fitness concerns

When asked whether he will be watching his title rivals’ games, he said: ‘I don’t know, I have to feel it — every game will be different.

‘I think my wife and kids will have a big say on that as well. My little one will come and want to play with Lego or go outside and play football or do something else! But I think I will watch the majority of those games, but for sure it will be with them.’

Brighton are led by Roberto De Zerbi, who have shone this season and are expected to give the Gunners a tough game.

Arteta added: ‘I’m very impressed. He (De Zerbi) is a top manager with a top coaching staff. I think they’re an unbelievable football club, what they have done deserves incredible credit.

‘I think Roberto has given a very clear style and attractive way of playing football, and they make life very difficult for the opponent.’