Mikel Arteta has played down the impact of Arsenal’s nine-point gap at the top of the Premier League standings, rather focusing on taking one game at a time.
The Gunners extended the gap between them and second-placed Manchester City on Saturday, following their 3-0 win over Sunderland at the Emirates.
It marks the biggest lead the North London side have enjoyed since the final day of the 2003-04 season when they last won the league title.
“We still have to win so many games to achieve what we want, so let’s not focus on that, that’s something else, we’ve done our job now, we’ve had what we have to do, assess that, try to improve it and get ready for Brentford [on Thursday]”, Arteta stated after the match.
Arsenal were not given an easy task by Sunderland and it took them 42 minutes to take the lead through Martin Zubimendi.
Victor Gyokeres, who had come on at the half hour mark doubled the lead in the 66th minute, before the big Swede added his second and Arsenal’s third in stoppage-time to complete the win.
“Sunderland a really good side and make it really difficult for you, very physical, very direct, very well organised and they made it a really long match”, Arteta revealed.
“We didn’t concede hardly anything. Only the first action when David [Raya] tries to catch it, I think it’s a foul, otherwise nothing.
“You cannot really dominate and control the game in all areas because they are really good at breaking it up and playing to the last minute.
“Today is a moment to enjoy. Again, it’s been a really positive week since the game against Leeds as well and the way the team has reacted. So, yeah, very happy”, the Arsenal boss concluded.
Arsenal will hope to move another step closer to ending their 22-year league drought when they face Brentford in the league on Thursday.
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