Mikel Arteta says Arsenal proved they still believe that they can win the Premier League title after beating Chelsea.
The Gunners blew their London rivals away during a sensational opening 34 minutes on Tuesday night to gain a 3-0 lead through two goals from Martin Odegaard and another Gabriel Jesus strike.
Noni Madueke got a consolation goal in the second half for Chelsea but Arsenal were good value for the victory and ended a four-game winless run.
Asked whether his team can still win the league after regaining top spot from Manchester City, who are now two points behind but with two games in hand starting at home to West Ham on Wednesday night, Arteta seemed defiant.
“For sure, we discussed that,” he said. “We have four games to go. We’re at the top now right now and let’s see what happens.
“The thing we can control is to win our matches and to perform as well as possible and that’s what we’re trying to do.
“You cannot do that [drop your heads]. To be in the position we are in after 10 months and against who we are fighting, being there and having a possibility to be at the top is something we have to feel, embrace and enjoy.
“We have to maximise the opportunity that we have. There is nothing like going into that dressing room and feeling that energy after a moment like that.”
City could be boosted amid concerns over Gabriel’s fitness. The Arsenal defender limped off in the second half against Chelsea after going down in pain numerous times.
Arteta admitted the issue was a concern, with his side now not having kept a clean sheet for nine matches after William Saliba’s back injury.
“Yes, he wasn’t comfortable, he tried to continue for 10 or 15 minutes,” Arteta said on Gabriel. “He couldn’t carry on, which was strange for Gabby as he is not usually one who wants to leave the pitch.”
