Mikel Arteta highlighted the impact of two supporting acts in a big derby day victory for Arsenal.
The Gunners grabbed a 4-1 win over **Tottenham**in the North London derby as **Eberechi Eze**became only the fourth player to score a hat trick in a competitive contest between the two teams.
Yet, it was a collective effort to earn this triumph, and the scoring started with Leandro Trossard,, whom Mikel Merino assisted with a clever chip. Both players have produced output in key moments as more marginal members of the squad, showing the commitment and quality Arteta demands.
“From looking at our team, it's the application, it's the energy, it's the desire to be the best version of themselves every single day.
“That's what I sense. Sometimes we are better, and sometimes not that good, but the willingness and the desire to win and be there, it's without a question for me the biggest attribute for this team.
“For me it was forbidden for [Leo] to leave. No chance.
“I know the player that he is, and surrounded with the players that we have, he's a player that is going to make a difference for us. I fully agree, it was one of the best games, so aggressive with and without the ball, so effective.
“He could have scored another one or two goals, and he was involved in so many positive actions. So that's what we need. As I said, I think individually, the players were excellent today.
“I think [Mikel] was incredible again, and we are asking him to feel as a nine, and he's not a nine, and to do a lot of the things that a nine has to do.
“But he's such an intelligent player, and his work ethic and his desire to contribute and make others better is that big. Again, those performances give you all the right reason to continue to trust him.”