Arsenal restored their lead at the top of the Premier League with a dominant win over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby
19:51, 22 Feb 2026
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, celebrates victory following the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 22, 2026 in London, England
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Mikel Arteta after the North London Derby(Image: Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta has described the Premier League title race as a 'long marathon' following Arsenal's 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze fired the Gunners to victory on Sunday evening as they restored their five-point lead at the top of the table.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, the Arsenal boss said: "One at a time. It's going to be a long one because we have the cup games and the Champions League on top of that. It's going to be a long marathon for all of us. Let's enjoy.
"The questions are on the day. Yes, today. Now we have to do it against Chelsea. Three days ago against Wolves, you have to take them. This is part of the job. If you don't like it, do something else."
Eze broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark, smashing the ball past Guglielmo Vicario from close range. The Lilywhites pulled one back just 30 seconds after the restart, with Randal Kolo Mauni capitalising on a mistake by Declan Rice.
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Shortly after the break, Gyokeres extended Arsenal's lead. A few moments later, Tottenham believed they had levelled proceedings, again, but the strike was ruled out following a foul on Gabriel Magalhaes in the build-up.
Eze later doubled his tally before Gyokeres put the fourth and final nail in the coffin. The Gunners managed to restore their five-point cushion in the title race, putting the pressure back on Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
Arsenal beat Tottenham in the North London Derby to reclaim their Premier League title advantage
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Arsenal beat Tottenham in the North London Derby to reclaim their Premier League title advantage(Image: (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images))
Speaking to TNT Sports following a 2-1 win over Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening, Pep Guardiola said: "Many things are going to happen.
"I have a feeling that we are not going to win all our games. Arsenal, I don't know. But I have this feeling, because FA Cup, Champions League games, then comes trouble.
"Many, many games. Injuries will come. The best way is to relax now and focus on Leeds, then we'll see. It will depend on our level, it needs to be better, better, better."
Nico O'Reilly, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrate after the team's victory in the Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium
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Manchester City beat Newcastle United 2-1 in the Premier League on Saturday night
The Spaniard added: "We have a lot of new players, that's why they have to live it. I've said, forget about it. We have to improve, it's not enough. To compete to win the Premier League you have to be there.
"We proved ourselves to win the three points but we have to do better to have the chance to do it. I say to the guys, 'take a lot of caipirinhas and daiquiris in these three days, enjoy life'. And after that, make a proper three training sessions and go to Leeds.
"That is a proper way. I know how difficult it will be. If it doesn't go well, we keep going, never give up. Ten or 11 games is a lot in the Premier League."
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Now, Arsenal will turn their attention to next weekend's clash against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium. Interestingly, Guardiola's side will face Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon, a day prior.
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