Mikel Arteta beams after Arsenal dominates North London derby — ‘We dominated every part of the game’
Mikel Arteta again saw his team answer the bell when Arsenal delivered a decisive 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in the first North London derby of the Premier League season.
And that performance left the Spaniard beaming with joy after the game, especially as he noted how many players have been missing or were not fully fit for this game. They still dominated their biggest rivals.
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Not only did the Gunners take advantage of dropped points from Manchester City and Liverpool but they never looked like anything but the superior side at home to their rivals.
Eberechi Eze scored thrice after Leandro Trossard opened the scoring as the Gunners led by three before Richarlison’s long distance effort stunned the stadium for a moment.
Yet only momentarily, as Arsenal now have a six-point lead on the field and all the bragging rights over their rivals.
Mikel Arteta reaction — Arsenal boss speaks after decisive North London derby win
Thoughts on the game: “It’s a very special day for us. We knew the importance of the match and what it means to our people. To give them that joy with our performance, the hunger, and the atmosphere created at the stadium. It’s a beautiful day.”
Quality matters but did your team win the intensity battle? “We said we wanted to impose ourselves but it has to start with intensity in the duels and being very precise. They have a very good team and we had to earn it. We look very dominant. We scored two magnificent goals to start with and in the second half we maintained the consistency. We have things to improve, too.”
On Eze’s hat trick, the first North London derby hat trick in 47 years: “He could’ve scored four of five. That’s a player we need, in big games to create those magic moments that unbalance a team. I thought his overall play was excellent.”
How do you feel right now? “We dominated every part of the game. It’s very difficult to create big chances. We created a massive one with Declan early in the game. We stayed patient and created two magnificent goals. Second half was a different story. They created some momentum and scored but we got it back, scored the fourth and after that it was over.”
It looks your depth is so much better this season: “Whoever we put in there, Mikel as a nine, does the job for us. That’s what we need. This squad has that belief.”
Too early to talk title, but do you feel you have momentum now? “We have really good momentum but you can see how difficult every game is in the Premier League. It’s a long run. Bayern next, then Chelsea away, so we have a massive week.”
