_**Gabriel marked Viktor Gyokeres out of the game on Tuesday night as Arsenal beat Sporting 5-1 in Lisbon. The Brazilian defender then couldn’t help but tease the Gunners target by copying his celebration after getting amongst the goals himself \[Valter Gouveia/SPP\]**_
MIKEL Arteta insists that the “level is rising” within his Arsenal squad as he finally gets to enjoy the fruits of having a near fully fit squad at his disposal.
The Gunners travel to West Ham on Saturday evening in what could prove a pivotal weekend in the Premier League.
They go into the game nine points off the pace, and with leaders Liverpool hosting second-place Manchester City, a victory at the London Stadium is vital.
The Arsenal players head across the capital in confident mood after lapping up the goals in Lisbon in midweek when they beat Sporting 5-1 in the Champions League.
The north Londoners boasted five different scorers, with Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel, Saka and Leandro Trossard all finding the back of the net.
Arteta made it clear that it’s the kind of form fans can expect to see now that key players are returning to full fitness.
“We were training with 11-12 players for a long period, and they could not train and play – and then suddenly almost everybody is fit and available,” said the Arsenal boss.
“It’s true, we are still managing certain players but their level is rising. I have no doubt we have the right ability, we are going to be a really good side.”
Arteta also spoke of how the win in Portugal “creates belief” among his players, especially after the Gunners became the first team to beat Sporting at Estadio Jose Alvalade this season.
Asked if he enjoyed the performance, the Spaniard added: “For sure, especially against an opponent that we played in their home, I don’t think they’ve lost a game in 18 months. They’ve been in top form, so to play to the level, with the determination, the purpose, and the fluidity that we’ve done today, I’m very pleased.
“The team played with so much courage. When I’m watching them live they are so good! They were all exceptional today. It was a big performance, a big win and we are really happy.
“The performance was there a few times when we have played big teams. That’s the level that we have to be able to cope and you have to make it happen, and that creates belief.”
Of course, it wouldn’t be an Arsenal game without an injury scare – and this time it was Gabriel who hobbled off late on with Arteta later revealing that the defender “felt some discomfort”.
While Gabriel’s header against Sporting wasn’t the pick of Arsenal’s five, it was the most talked about after the Brazilian seemingly copied Viktor Gyokeres’ goal celebration – covering his eyes with his hands.
Gyokeres has emerged as one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, with Arsenal reportedly among his suitors come the summer – or even this January if Gooners get their wish.
While Gyokeres’ celebration is a little different – clasping his hands more over his mouth – the Swedish international still responded to Gabriel’s effort, saying: “He’s welcome to steal it if he can’t create his own celebration! I didn’t know he did that, but it’s fun he likes my celebration.”