Mikel Arteta says Arsenal will need to be almost perfect if they are to catch runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool but feels momentum is building again after a poor run.

Arsenal, runners-up to Manchester City over the past two seasons, were expected to challenge again this year but instead Liverpool have raced eight points clear of second-placed City.

The Gunners go into Saturday’s match against West Ham on a high after hammering Sporting Lisbon 5-1 in the Champions League in midweek.

Last weekend, they beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 at home to end a four-match winless run in the league that cost them vital ground.

Arsenal are fourth in the league with 22 points from 12 games, level with third-placed Chelsea and one point behind City in second.

With a struggling City travelling to face Liverpool and Chelsea facing a difficult home encounter with Aston Villa, Arsenal could find themselves in second if they are able to beat 14th-placed West Ham.