We recorded our biggest league win away in the north London derby since 1978 on Sunday, and afterwards Mikel Arteta was quick to praise the character of his team for bouncing back from our midweek disappointment.
Two goals each from Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres gave us a thumping 4-1 win to restore our five-point lead at the top of the table, and make it four consecutive away wins over Spurs for the first time in 70 years.
Afterwards the manager reflected on the last week, and how the players were able to put the Wolves draw behind them in fine style.
“I’m so proud, so proud of the boys, the team, and I'm giving some context as well about the situation,” Mikel said afterwards.
“We need to understand the beauty of this sport, that a few days ago against Wolves, we drew a match in the last kick of the game, and watching it back, there's no explanation how this happened.
“And it feels like you are at the bottom, and you're not good enough, and you are angry, and upset, and ashamed. But then it's okay. Each chapter is part of the journey, part of the history of the season. Now, how are we going to use that to define our season? That was the reaction that we wanted.
“So how people are going to now show their real attitude, and how we're going to decide to approach the next game against our biggest rivals, a really difficult place, but an opportunity as well to make every Arsenal supporter very, very proud.”
“The reaction was incredible. In moments of adversity, difficulty, it's really good to understand why you surround the world. And I really enjoyed, actually, the last few days.”
There were big performances all over the pitch from the whole team, but the boss had special praise for striker Viktor Gyokeres, who scored right at the start and end of the second half, and also our other double scorer Ebere Eze.
“I think it’s probably the best game that he (Gyokeres) has played for us. The most complete of the two goals by his overall performance, I think, was incredible, and Ebs as well. I mean, now he has another incredible experience playing against them, and I'm very happy because he deserved it.”
The manager finished with a word for the travelling supporters, who once again were able to enjoy the short trip up Seven Sisters Road
“They really enjoyed it,” he smiled, “and that's why I think we need to stay calm and understand that we are all very emotional. We want it so much, these boys are worth believing in them and being next to them because they are a special group.
“We really need to enjoy this week. There were some tough moments the last few days, and we go through them together. And now I think we have to enjoy the rest of the week.”
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