Mikel Arteta said Arsenal’s nine-point gap at the top of the table means ‘nothing’ after the Gunners thrashed newly promoted side Sunderland 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
A goal from Martin Zubimendi and a second-half brace from Viktor Gyökeres saw Arsenal provisionally put more daylight between them and second-placed Manchester City. The Cityzens are set for a big test today as they face Arne Slot’s Liverpool at Anfield.
Speaking after the game, Arteta maintained that their current lead doesn’t have any effect on what is likely to happen in May, insisting that there are ‘so many games’ left to play.
When asked what it means to have a nine-point gap at the top, Arteta replied:
“Nothing, we still have to win so many games to achieve what we want. So, there's no focus on that; that's something else. We've done our job now; we've had what we have to do, so I assess that, try to improve it, and get ready for Brentford.”
Following a 3-2 setback against Manchester United, Arsenal have now won each of their last two league fixtures. They will next be in action against Brentford on Thursday, February 12.
Arteta reserves praise for Arsenal star after win over Sunderland
Arteta spoke glowingly of Gyökeres, praising the striker’s character after coming off the bench to score two goals in their win over Sunderland.
Following a run of one goal in 11 Premier League appearances, Gyökeres has now scored three goals in his last two league matches. It was an upturn in form for the Swede after a period that saw him endure criticism for lack of goals.
When quizzed on Gyökeres’ resilience and mental strength, the Arsenal boss said:
“Well, the type of character that we expected, and obviously when you put that shirt on, it comes with a lot of responsibility and huge expectations, and you need to live with that. And in your journey here, you're going to have moments where it goes really well and others that are going to be tough. Because, as well, you have an opponent that plays a part and he makes it really difficult for you. But I love his character, the way he approaches every single day and the fact that he's so focused on the present, what he has to do, and he has a genuine will to help the team in whatever role he has.”
Since the turn of the year, no Premier League player has scored more goals across all competitions than Gyökeres (5).