Mikel Arteta believes their thrilling victory over Brighton & Hove Albion has proven that they have the “desire” to win the Premier League title.
Arteta’s team won their fifth straight league game, giving them a seven-point lead over second-placed Manchester City going into the new year.
The goals from Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Eddie Nketiah put the Gunners on track to make it official that they are serious contenders for the title.
Kaoru Mitoma scored for Brighton to cut the lead in half, and then Martinelli ran halfway across the field to finish Odegaard’s beautiful pass.
Evan Ferguson scored his first Premier League goal for Brighton late in the game, but Arsenal won their ninth league game in a row despite a tense finish.
“It’s a big win against a really good side. We had big moments, especially attacking the spaces with the way they play. We were ruthless, clinical,” Arteta said.
“We had some great moments, and also moments when we have to dig in and suffer. You expect that against Brighton.”
Last season, Arsenal blew a great chance to qualify for the Champions League by giving up late in the Premier League. As a result, the team was written off as an also-ran for this season.
But Gunners manager Arteta has done a great job of reviving his team, giving their fans hope that they can win an English title for the first time since Arsene Wenger’s “Invincibles.”
Arsenal has 43 points after 16 games, which is one of the best starts to a season in the English Premier League. The other four teams that had better starts went on to win the title.
“You can’t expect to not concede anything with the way they play. It’s a big test for us, but we win two in a row after the break and now on to the next one,” Arteta said.
“I think we have enough desire. We know the other results, but we know our success will be from what we do.
“This is what we want to continue, to improve as a team and play better, to dominate all the areas like today. We had to suffer but we show we could manage the game.”
Photo by EPA/Vince Mignott
