Mikel Arteta praised his “outstanding” Arsenal side after they bounced back from midweek disappointment with a commanding 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, moving five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.
Following a late draw at Wolves that had reignited talk of title nerves, Arsenal responded in emphatic fashion. Eberechi Eze broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute, continuing his remarkable scoring run against Spurs. Tottenham briefly equalised through Randal Kolo Muani, but Arsenal regained control almost immediately as Viktor Gyokeres restored their lead. Eze then netted a third goal before Gyokeres completed the rout in stoppage time, sealing a dominant display.
“It feels like we showed what we are made of,” Arteta said. “After what happened against Wolves, losing two points with the last kick of the game, it was tough. But today we lifted ourselves up and were outstanding from beginning to end.”
Eze’s performance was particularly significant, with Arteta noting the player’s determination after being left out of the starting lineup at Wolves. “You just have to look at his face,” Arteta added. “He came here for a reason and we need those moments from these players. He wanted to prove something.”
For Tottenham and interim coach Igor Tudor, the gulf in quality was stark. Spurs remain only four points clear of 18th-placed West Ham, with Tudor acknowledging the scale of the challenge ahead. “Arsenal are probably the best side in the world at the moment,” he said. “With the ball, a lack of confidence is very evident. You have to look in the mirror.”
