Mikel Arteta: Arsenal’s 9-point advantage in Premier League holds ‘no significance’
Mikel Arteta has stated that Arsenal’s nine-point advantage at the summit of the Premier League signifies “nothing,” even as his squad intensifies the pressure on Manchester City.
The Gunners secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Sunderland on Saturday, with Martín Zubimendi’s long-range strike from 20 yards breaking the deadlock in the 42nd minute, followed by two late goals from substitute Viktor Gyökeres.
City now faces the challenge of responding during their game-in-hand against last season’s champions, Liverpool, on Sunday, a location where they have triumphed only once in 22 league visits.
Arsenal’s current lead is the largest they have held since the final matchday of their title-winning season in 2003-04, which marked their last league championship.
When questioned about the significance of the gap at this point in the season, Arteta responded: “Nothing.”
“We still have to win many more matches to accomplish our goals, so let’s not concentrate on that; it’s a separate matter. We’ve completed our task for now, assessed it, aimed for improvement, and prepared for Brentford [on Thursday].”
Gyökeres’ two goals brought his total to 13 across all competitions, and he has netted six times in the last eight matches following a challenging start after his €73.5 million ($86m) transfer from Sporting Lisbon.
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“[He is] the kind of character we anticipated,” Arteta remarked about Gyökeres. “And naturally, wearing that shirt comes with significant responsibility and high expectations. You must be able to handle that.
“Throughout your journey here, there will be times when things go exceptionally well and others when challenges arise.
“However, I admire his character, his daily approach, and his strong focus on the present, along with his genuine desire to assist the team in any capacity he can.
“For me, what truly sets him apart is the consistency he demonstrates every day, whether it’s in practice, training, understanding his teammates better, building relationships, or articulating the type of movement and deliveries he desires.”
