Arsenal fans ask Mikel Arteta to play Tom Hiddleston's 'unbelievable' speech to squad before Man City game

Golden Globe-winning actor Tom Hiddleston described pressure as a "privilege" ahead of Sunday's clash between Arsenal and Manchester City – and fans want Mikel Arteta to use those words of wisdom in the dressing room before kick-off.

Coming into this weekend's potentially title-defining clash at the Etihad, league leaders Arsenal are six points ahead of second-placed City, although victory for the home side would move Pep Guardiola's side within three points of the Gunners with a game in hand.

It has been a tricky month for Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal team, who have picked up just one win from their last five games in all competitions.

As a result, questions have been raised as to whether they can handle the pressures of a title battle with serial winners City, but should they be aiming to embrace the pressure and see it as a privilege? Tom Hiddleston certainly thinks so.

While appearing on Sky Sports News' Premier League Show with Roman Kemp ahead of Sunday's game, the British actor delivered a rousing speech about expectation.

"In the theatre, we talk about nerves all the time, and on film sets. The chemical that you produce when you're nervous, is the same that you produce when you are excited," he began.

"Pressure is a privilege"

Golden Globe winning actor Tom Hiddleston gives his thoughts on the huge clash between Manchester City and Arsenal 🎬 pic.twitter.com/rl5XUZUjgx

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 17, 2026

"I choose to say that I am excited. I think this moment for these two teams, is a moment that they will look back on for the next three decades as the most alive they've ever felt. Pressure is a privilege, and if you feel any sort of pressure, or weight of expectation, you are breathing rare air that few of us get to live inside.

"For the Arsenal squad, I think that's really something that they can take in. What a privilege to be the league leaders. What a privilege to be the only English side in the Champions League. What a privilege to have Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, to be chasing you."

Former Manchester City and Sheffield United midfielder Michael Brown, who was sat alongside Hiddleston, interrupted the actor mid-flow and suggested Mikel Arteta would show the speech to his squad ahead of Sunday's game.

"He's definitely showing this," said Brown. "You might be in the dressing room on Sunday," to which Hiddleston replied: "I will await the call from Mikel."

Fans react to Tom Hiddleston speech ahead of Arsenal vs Man City game

Many were impressed by the actor's speech. One fan wrote: "The fact it took an actor to give me the best punditry I've heard all season," and a second commented: "Mikel play the tape. Get him in training today."

A third said: "Brilliant this," and a fourth commented: "Get him in the dressing room on Sunday."

A fifth added: "What a brilliant analogy. Get this man in the dressing room."

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last five Premier League meetings against Manchester City, but can they overcome their title rivals and extend the gap at the top of the Premier League to nine points? Let us know in the comments.