Mikel Arteta ignored by rival Premier League sides for repeated lies in search for 'marginal gains' as Arsenal embrace reputation to 'stretch the truth'

According to a report in the Daily Mail, Gunners manager Arteta is walking a fine line between seeking an advantage and 'stretching the truth' when it comes to injury information. The report adds that stems from his dedication to 'marginal gains' but other top-flight teams have allegedly told the newspaper that they don't pay attention to the Spaniard's squad updates as they don't believe him anymore.

In the Mail article, it is claimed that 'Arteta’s tendency to be economical with injury information' is not out of a desire to mislead, but rather to boost his own team's chances. Ultimately, this has caused other Premier League clubs to simply disregard his comments altogether and plan for games without taking notice of his injury updates. Liverpool head to the Emirates Stadium this weekend, with Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber all supposedly injury doubts for the hosts.

The Gunners sit fourth in the table and can close the gap to the Reds to one point but defeat will leave them seven points adrift of Arne Slot's men - who will leapfrog Manchester City into first if they claim all three points.

After this crucial encounter against Liverpool in the Premier League, Arsenal travel to Championship side Preston North End on Wednesday in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.