Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Leandro Trossard after he provided the assists for each of Arsenal’s goals in their 3-0 win at Fulham on Sunday.

Trossard’s most dynamic performance since joining from Brighton in January enabled Arteta’s squad to regain a five-point advantage over second-place Manchester City.

The 28-year-old Belgian has been a valuable addition for the Gunners in their pursuit of a first championship since 2004.

Trossard has scored only once for Arsenal, but Arteta has been impressed by his creativity and intelligent play, which were on full display at Craven Cottage.

Gabriel headed in his pinpoint corner kick for Arsenal’s first goal, then Gabriel Martinelli scored from the Belgian’s cross five minutes later, and Martin Odegaard buried another pinpoint delivery before the break.

“He got three assists and could have scored two. I think he was really impressive,” Arteta said.

“Not only that, he had an injury three days ago which could have taken a week, or another 10 days, but he was really willing to come back early and the doctors and medical staff did a lot of good work.

“It makes a big difference in the team. We needed him today and his contribution was superb.

“It’s football intelligence. He’s really clever to understand straight away what we want, what’s required. He’s executed it really well.”

After City’s 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday narrowed Arsenal’s advantage to two points, this was a significant response from north London.

Since losing to City in February, they have won five consecutive league games and have 11 matches remaining to clinch a most unexpected championship.

Gabriel Jesus made his first appearance since undergoing knee surgery in November as a result of a knee injury sustained while playing for Brazil in the World Cup. He came off the bench with 14 minutes remaining, capping off a positive day for Arteta.

“It was a big boost. The first step today. We didn’t know if it was the right game today. He said to me a few days ago ‘I’m still missing something’,” Arteta said.

“Yesterday I looked in his eyes and he said ‘I’m ready’. I said ‘OK!’ So then we had the opportunity to throw him in.

“It’s that first step to give him the big boost. He looks free, he looks ready and straight away he generated those two big chances. It’s great to have him back.”