Arteta Plays It Cool as Arsenal Go Nine Points Clear at the Top

 

ZIT-Arsenal may be sitting nine points clear at the summit of the Premier League, but Mikel Arteta insists the title race is far from over.

The Gunners turned on the style at the Emirates on Saturday, cruising to a commanding 3–0 victory over Sunderland that sent a loud message to their rivals. Midfielder Martín Zubimendi broke the deadlock just before halftime with a stunning 20-yard strike, before substitute Viktor Gyökeres came off the bench to steal the spotlight with two late goals.

The win stretches Arsenal’s lead over Manchester City to nine points, although Pep Guardiola’s side still have a game in hand — a daunting trip to Anfield to face champions Liverpool, where City have won just once in their last 22 league visits.

Despite the growing gap, Arteta refused to get carried away.

“Nothing,” the Arsenal boss said when asked what the lead meant. “We still have to win so many games to achieve what we want. Let’s not focus on that. We’ve done our job today — now we assess it, improve, and get ready for Brentford.”

The advantage is Arsenal’s biggest at this stage of the season since their legendary 2003–04 “Invincibles” campaign — the last time the club lifted the league title. Yet Arteta’s message remains one of discipline, hunger, and focus.

---

Gyökeres Finds His Rhythm

One of the biggest talking points of the night was Viktor Gyökeres, whose brace took his season tally to 13 goals in all competitions. After a slow start following his €73.5 million move from Sporting Lisbon, the Swedish striker is now firing — with six goals in his last eight games.

Arteta praised both Gyökeres’ mentality and work ethic.

“That shirt comes with huge expectations,” he said. “You’re going to have moments when it’s easy, and others when it’s tough. But I love his character — he’s focused on the present and on helping the team in any role.”

According to Arteta, what truly separates Gyökeres is his consistency in training and his growing chemistry with teammates.

“He demands the ball, the movement, the deliveries. He speaks up. He wants to improve every single day — and that’s what makes a difference.”

---

Pressure On City

With Arsenal doing their part, the pressure now shifts to Manchester City. A tough test at Anfield awaits, and any slip could give the Gunners even more breathing room in the title race.

For now, Arteta is keeping his players grounded — but the rest of the Premier League has been put on notice: Arsenal are serious contenders.