Mikel Arteta said Arsenal’s emphatic 4–1 victory over north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur was a cathartic release for his side after what he described as 72 hours “in hell.”
Arsenal restored their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a dominant display at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, powered by doubles from Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres.
The win came as a timely response to a damaging 2–2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier in the week, when Arsenal squandered a two-goal lead to hand the initiative in the title race to Manchester City.
Arteta admitted it had been difficult to lift his players after consecutive setbacks left them vulnerable, with City poised to seize control of the title race if they win their remaining matches.
“I cannot be prouder and happier from what I saw out there, especially how we lived the last 72 hours,” Arteta said.
Reflecting on the Wolves draw, he added: “There is no explanation for how we drew that game. You have to lift yourself up because you are feeling angry, ashamed, upset.
“You don’t feel like that when it is just a job. This is our passion. It is the purpose we have.”
Arsenal, who have not won a major trophy since 2020 and previously surrendered significant leads to City in the 2023 and 2024 title races, responded with authority. Having beaten Spurs 4–1 earlier in the season, they completed another rout to deepen Tottenham’s struggles near the bottom of the table.
“When it is really on the edge and people are doubting, you have to stand up,” Arteta said. “We showed what we are made of, but then you have to show it again and again. It is a massive rollercoaster.”
The result marked Arsenal’s biggest away league win at Tottenham since a 5–0 triumph in 1978.
