Arteta unsure about Rice return and wary of Bournemouth threat

Arsenal have never won the Premier League after being top of the table on New Year's Day, but manager Mikel Arteta said on Friday that his squad's enthusiasm for the title race could finally break their historical jinx.

Arsenal sit four points clear of Manchester City at the season's halfway point, buoyed by confidence after ending 2025 with a crushing 4-1 victory over third-placed Aston Villa to halt their winning run.

In the past, Arsenal have been guilty of seeing their lead evaporate in the second half of the season. But their odds have significantly improved, with data firm Opta saying they are heavy favourites with a 78.98% chance of winning the title.

Arsenal were also given an injury boost when Kai Havertz returned to the squad, with Arteta now spoiled for choice up front as the German fights with Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus for a spot in the starting lineup.

However, Declan Rice is still a doubt as the midfielder nurses a knee injury which kept him out of the Villa game while defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera remain sidelined.

Arsenal's discipline has been notably improved this season, with the team yet to see a player sent off -- a stark contrast to last season's struggles, especially against Saturday's opponents.

"We know how important it is to maintain 11 players on the pitch. We failed to do that last year, we lost both games against Bournemouth," Arteta said, referencing a 2-0 defeat where Arsenal were reduced to 10 men.

Production: Oliver Regan/Reuters