LONDON — Mikel Arteta expressed pride in Arsenal’s performance during their 4-1 triumph over Tottenham on Sunday, stating the team “showed what we’re made of” after feeling “ashamed” by their recent draw against Wolves.
Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres both scored twice, leading the Gunners to a dominant display in the north London derby and establishing a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners faced scrutiny regarding their resilience this season, particularly after squandering a lead to draw 2-2 with bottom-placed Wolves in midweek.
Nonetheless, they rebounded effectively after Randal Kolo Muani equalized in the 34th minute, netting three goals in the second half for their fifth consecutive win over Spurs, marking their best performance against them since 1989.
“It feels like we showed what we are made of,” Arteta commented post-match. “Yet, you must consistently demonstrate that resolve, as only analyzing your feelings game by game can lead to an unsustainable emotional rollercoaster.”
“I couldn’t be prouder and happier with what I saw out there, especially considering the challenging 72 hours leading up to this match, which requires some contextualization.”
“After the events against Wolves, where we felt we lost two points in the last moments of the game, it was tough. But such is the beauty of this sport. Watching the game back, it’s hard to comprehend how we ended up with just a draw. From every angle, it seems impossible, and one must tell themselves that such a situation won’t occur again.”
“Yet it did happen, and you must rise above it, even when feelings of anger, disappointment, and shame creep in. We all come from different backgrounds, bearing unique emotions, and bringing the team together was rewarding. We’ve taken time to align ourselves, asking, ‘What’s next for us?’
Arsenal, along with Manchester City, who have a game in hand, are enjoying a rare week off before their next matches. Pep Guardiola mentioned he might let his City players “indulge in some caipirinhas and daiquiris over these three days” before refocusing.
In response to whether he would do the same, Arteta said, “I don’t drink cocktails. So, no, we have our own plans.”
“With the volume of games we’re facing across competitions, it’s incredible. This break gives us a chance to breathe, analyze our approach, and prepare for the upcoming matches until the international break, which will once again bring a heavy schedule.”