Tottenham 1-4 Arsenal: Gunners pass derby test of nerve as title race hots up
And there was good news too, with much-criticized striker Viktor Gyokores scoring two fine goals on a perfect day for Arsenal and their enthusiastic fan base.
Even with Randal Kolo Muani’s lively equalizer for Spurs two minutes after Eze struck, Arsenal did not lose momentum. This was a confident, reassuring performance.
“It was phenomenal. I think you have to give context to the situation and that’s the beauty of football,” Arteta told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“You go to Wolves and you drop two points in the last kick of the game. Looking back, I can’t process how that happened.
“It feels like the end of the world, but you get another opportunity and that’s the beauty of it. In a tough stadium against our opponents, we see how important this is for us in the league and for all our fans.”
He added: “We wanted to write this episode. We did it.”
BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy expects the race between the pair to go all the way to the finish line.
He said: “The title race is still on for both of them. It’s in both hands, which is unusual. Normally it’s in the hands of one team and you just wait for them to make mistakes.”
“My eyes in the Arsenal camp were telling me they were the best team. The last few results have given Manchester City some hope. There are a lot of players in the squad who have been there and done it.
“Speaking from experience, once you get over the line the next couple feels easier. Every time Arsenal get on the pitch that’s when the pressure is on. That’s great for us and hopefully it reaches its conclusion. I don’t see them winning any games from now until the end of the season.”
Arsenal’s nerves were tested. They passed and there will be more testing for Arsenal and Manchester City as their Premier League campaign reaches its climax.
