Arsenal's Rout of Spurs Lifts Them from Title Torment: Arteta

Mikel Arteta described Arsenal's 4-1 thrashing of north London foes Tottenham as a relieving breakthrough for his Premier League frontrunners following 72 hours of torment.

Arteta's team regained their five-point lead over runners-up Manchester City with two goals each from Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres during the match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

This result provided a vital lift for the Gunners after they squandered a two-goal advantage in a 2-2 stalemate against league-bottom Wolves on Wednesday, which handed the title initiative to their rivals.

Arsenal were gutted by their consecutive draw, and Arteta confessed it was tough motivating his squad in the wake of a scoreline that allows City to claim the championship by winning their remaining 11 fixtures.

Nevertheless, Arteta along with his assistants slowly rekindled Arsenal's waning morale, motivating them so potently that they dismantled Tottenham for the second occasion this term.

Having overwhelmed their fierce opponents 4-1 in November, they travelled briefly along Seven Sisters Road to deliver yet another crushing loss that sank Tottenham further into relegation danger.

"I could not be more proud or delighted with what unfolded on the field, particularly considering how we endured the past 72 hours," Arteta remarked.

"I reviewed the footage, and there is no rationale for our draw with Wolves. You must rally yourself amid feelings of fury, embarrassment, and distress.

"Such emotions arise not merely from duty. This is our devotion. It defines our mission.

"You need to unite the group, and it proved rewarding. We urged each other to cherish the players. Yet, you must prove it through actions on the turf, and we excelled."

Standing Firm

Lacking a significant trophy since 2020 and having surrendered big leads to City in the 2023 and 2024 title contests, Arsenal's resolve has faced scrutiny amid their latest dip in form.

However, this third league win in eight outings offered crucial proof that they are not doomed to falter under strain.

"When the stakes are highest and doubts emerge, you must rise to the challenge," Arteta stated.

"We demonstrated our true nature, but consistency demands repeating it time and again. It is an intense ride."

This marked Arsenal's largest away league triumph over Tottenham since a 5-0 success in 1978.

After dominating Tottenham by the identical margin at the Emirates in November, it represented just the second campaign since 1934-35 where the Gunners secured both north London clashes by at least three goals.

Little surprise then that Arteta celebrated wildly with his teammates on the pitch post-whistle, amid ecstatic Arsenal supporters.

Notably, Arsenal's festivities occurred as the venue emptied, with disheartened Tottenham followers departing long before the end.

It served as a harsh debut in the Premier League for Tottenham's caretaker manager Igor Tudor.

Brought in after dismissing Thomas Frank, Tudor inherited a Tottenham side plagued by injuries and lacking assurance.

Tudor now grapples with a drop-zone fight, as Tottenham sit merely four points clear of the lower trio, confronting the grim prospect of their first top-flight absence since 1977-78.

"A significant disparity separated the sides. Arsenal rank among the globe's elite. They overwhelmed us today amid our troubles," Tudor commented.

"Our eroded belief was evident. I feel deeply disappointed and frustrated, yet in a sense it clarifies our plight.

"Right now, the squad faces numerous issues. The sole solution lies in daily training efforts and maintaining humility.

"The remedy requires everyone to self-reflect and genuinely alter their routines."