Arsenal stuck to their task of beating Wolves in their clash on Saturday night, despite several potential distractions before and throughout the game that could've caused plenty of issues. With Manchester City losing 2-1 to Brentford earlier in the day, the Gunners confirmed top spot ahead of the World Cup break, but knew they could move five points clear of the champions with victory.
The aforementioned World Cup is only a matter of days away too, handing a potential distraction for some, while an illness in the Arsenal camp also hit just before the game. All of that was still not enough to knock the Gunners off their stride though as Martin Odegaard's brace handed his side all three points.
"It’s great to be where we are and we are enjoying that moment," manager Mikel Arteta said on the position his side find themselves. "Now we have a big break and we have to reflect on what we’re doing and be prepared for after the World Cup. Our aim is to play better as a team every day, to have better tools to do what we want to do."
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As usual for Arsenal matches, the national media have had their say on the performance from Arteta's men, so with that said, here's a look at how they viewed the game.
The Mirror claim that Arsenal will have felt the pressure from the game but managed to earn an important result no matter the performance.
"Everyone associated with the Gunners would have felt the pressure with a five-point lead on the line, but by hook or by crook Arsenal delivered and can now enjoy the festive period with a healthy lead at the summit of the table."
The Guardian also focused on the Gunners claiming top spot for the next month or so, claiming it is tough to not get excited around this Arsenal team.
"While Arsenal mirroring what, in effect, is tantamount to a claim to fame in the Premier League [top at Christmas] is practically meaningless to Mikel Arteta, it is a milestone that Arsenal have not managed since 2007 and, even if they have played only 14 games, it is increasingly difficult to quell the excitement around his vibrant team."
The Telegraph claim that while the start for Arsenal is ideal, the break for the World Cup has halted form at a tough time.
"Amid all of the excitement, there is a sense of frustration for Arteta that their league campaign has come to a halt. On this form, with victory at Wolves taking Arsenal to 12 wins from 14 games, the Spaniard wants to keep playing and playing.
"The squad and staff watched City’s loss to Brentford earlier in the day and celebrated, Arteta said, 'as you can imagine'".
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