Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was left calling for calm over a potential title tilt alongside Manchester City despite his table toppers beating Liverpool on Sunday evening.
The Gunners enjoyed a perfect start at the Emirates Stadium with Gabriel Martinelli striking the opener within the opening 60 seconds but were pegged back by Darwin Nunez 's second goal of the season. Bukayo Saka regained the lead for the North Londoners, with Roberto Firmino levelling matters once more.
Saka decided the game though from the penalty spot as Arsenal secured a memorable 3-2 victory. They now sit at the top of the table once more and already an astounding 14 points clear of Liverpool.
Despite that, Gunners boss Arteta has cooled any talk of Arsenal ending their near two-decade wait for a Premier League title due to the current dominance of Pep Guardiola 's City.
When asked if Arsenal are ready to challenge the reigning champions by Sky Sports, the Spaniard replied: "They [Man City] are really strong, they have done that for five years and we have not done that."
Whilst Arsenal enjoyed a wonderful first period against the Reds, Arteta wasn't quite so convinced at the performance of his side. Having imparted some harsh words in the direction of his squad at the break, he was a lot more satisfied with the way his players approached the game.
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"It [half-time] was lively but I wanted to give them encouragement and confidence that it was there for the taking," he continued. "Obviously there was some stuff that needed changing but to have more composure and courage to play.
"Everything [was better] the organisation, the press, we won every duel, every second ball, I think the connection to threaten them I was happy with that."
One of the star performers throughout the game was no doubt Brazilian forward Martinelli. He scored the opener and teed up Saka for the Gunners' second goal.
Reflecting on the young forward's performance, Arteta expressed his delight with Martinelli's development over the last 12 months.
He said: "When you see where he was when he started a year ago against Brentford, to how he is today. The development is just phenomenal, the hunger, the desire and how much he loves to play, train and get better every single day. He’s a nightmare to play against the same as Bukayo or Gabi up front. We have a real threat up front, we know that, and people and players are respecting us on that."
Arsenal are back in action in Europe in midweek as they take on Bodo/Glimt in their return tie, whilst they next Premier League assignment is against Leeds United at Elland Road next weekend.
