‘Sensational’ Arsenal back in title race – Arteta

Mikel Arteta warned Liverpool that “sensational” Arsenal are back in the Premier League title race after a 2-1 victory over Tottenham in the north London derby on Wednesday.
Desperately needing a win to close the gap on leaders Liverpool, Arteta’s side mounted a dramatic comeback after Son Heung-min’s early goal for Tottenham. Dominic Solanke’s own goal brought Arsenal level, before Leandro Trossard’s strike put them ahead late in the first half at a charged Emirates Stadium.
The win, Arsenal’s first in four games across all competitions, moved them within four points of Liverpool. While Arne Slot’s side still have a game in hand and remain title favorites, Arteta is confident that Arsenal have the quality to chase down the team from Anfield.
Asked if Arsenal are title contenders, Arteta responded, “Yeah, we are. There is so much to play for. We can see how difficult it is for every team.”
The victory was especially sweet for Arsenal, who had suffered a string of setbacks, including being knocked out of the FA Cup by 10-man Manchester United on penalties and losing 2-0 at home to Newcastle in the League Cup semi-final first leg. A draw at Brighton prior to these defeats had left the injury-hit side looking like outsiders in their pursuit of a first title since 2004.
However, with another crucial test against Aston Villa on Saturday, Arteta was relieved to see his players display the hunger and determination needed to challenge Liverpool in the second half of the season.
“We were sensational. It was a big test after two games and not getting rewarded,” he said.
“We were incredibly good in the last game against United and we ended up losing somehow.
“It’s how you respond to a situation. These boys want more, They want to be tested and questioned, then they want to go on the pitch. We have big examples of that today, playing 72 hours after 120 minutes on Sunday.
“To play the biggest game of the season for our people, it was a test of attitude, what we are made of, the courage we have. From minute one, we fully deserved to win the game.”
Pressed on whether the north London derby success had restored confidence in Arteta and his team, the Spaniard added: “We can’t control that. We lost in the most incredible way against Manchester United.
“My confidence comes from seeing the players and how they perform every day. If my confidence comes and goes with each result then we should not be doing this.”
Showing the confidence that Arteta prizes so highly, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice insisted they should have dispatched Tottenham by a far greater margin.
“You can tell that tonight meant more than anything. From the first minute, the first half was pure domination,” he said.
“We showed the intent, the pressure, the desire, you could tell it was a derby. I think we were probably unlucky that we didn’t score 10. That is the feeling.”
England midfielder Rice was in boisterous mood after playing through injury to anchor Arsenal’s midfield.
Hitting back at his critics, Rice said: “As I’ve got older I don’t get the recognition I deserve.
“I was bought for a big fee and I play for Arsenal. Not a lot of people like Arsenal. I keep my head down and I know my qualities.”
Like Arteta, the former West Ham star is confident Liverpool can be reeled in, as long as Arsenal take advantage of any further slips from their rivals.
“Every time Liverpool have drawn we have not capitalised on it and that’s been a kick in the teeth,” he said.
“To close the gap is important, a big night for us.”