In a thrilling display of football, Arsenal managed to hold off a late surge from Tottenham, maintaining their title charge and staying one point ahead of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table. This victory was more than just three points for Arsenal; it was an affirmation of their readiness to handle the pressure that comes with a title run-in.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, described this North London derby win as "emotional," highlighting its significance in proving his team's ability to cope with high-stakes situations. He confidently promised fans and critics alike that his team is prepared for what lies ahead: "They're going to have a real go."
Arsenal bottled from same position last season
Last season saw Arsenal leading by eight points in Premier League table before they dropped crucial points towards the end and finished behind Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. However, after securing their third consecutive Premier League win this season, Arteta asserted: "We have proved we can handle this stage of the season better than last year."
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, said:
“When you win it’s always the case. Last season we didn’t, because we went to West Ham and we missed a penalty, and against Liverpool we conceded in the 91st minute and then you’re not capable. At the end the judgement is going to be based on that outcome. If they got the goal in the last minute to make it 3-3 then we wouldn’t have been ready.
“The margins are so small. I was praying at the end . There were so many Spurs players in the box. It was a really emotional game. One hundred per cent the players are going to fight until the very end.
“I’ve seen that the whole season. They give me the reason to believe that every single day. We are right on it. The motivation for what is ahead is beautiful. We are all expecting that they’re going to have a real go. Emotionally it’s been a very demanding month, but yesterday I had to stop them in training because they wanted more. That’s a good sign.”
Bukayo Saka again star of the match for Gunners
Adding weight to Arteta's words was goalscorer Bukayo Saka who reflected on how far they've come since last season. He said: "Maybe last season that could have ended in a draw and we showed we have the experience." His 15th goal of this campaign saw him become the first English player since Ian Wright in 1993-94 to score home and away against Spurs in one Premier League season. This achievement not only underscores Saka’s individual brilliance but also highlights how much more resilient and experienced this current squad has become compared to previous seasons.
However, one thing is clear: Arsenal's recent performance, coupled with Arteta's promise and Saka’s confidence, suggests that they are more than ready to take on the challenges ahead. This North London derby win has not just given them three points but also a significant morale boost that could potentially propel them towards their title aspirations.
This victory over Tottenham was a testament to Arsenal's growth and readiness for the title run-in. As Mikel Arteta promised, they are indeed having "a real go" at it. The rest of the season promises to be an exciting journey for both Arsenal fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike.
