Arteta supports assured Gyokeres in reaching peak performance

Mikel Arteta stated that Viktor Gyokeres has elevated his performance to the "highest level" following the striker's two goals in a 3-0 victory against Sunderland on Saturday, despite earlier criticism.

The win positioned the Gunners nine points ahead at the summit of the Premier League while they pursue their first English championship in 22 years.

Martin Zubimendi's excellent effort opened the scoring shortly before the interval at the Emirates, with Gyokeres then confirming the triumph after the break.

The Swedish forward fired in a strike from Kai Havertz's delivery before Gabriel Martinelli set him up to tap into an unguarded goal during added time.

Gyokeres had found it challenging to replicate his scoring prowess from Sporting Lisbon, the club that led to his £64 million ($87 million) transfer to Arsenal.

Nevertheless, he remains Arteta's leading marksman with 13 strikes across all tournaments, among them six in his most recent eight outings.

"Confidence is the key term. When you sense confidence, when you feel valued, when you are operating at your optimum, that is the point where you can truly elevate your play to the highest level," Arteta remarked.

"We stand firmly by him at every stage to assist and back him. He is producing results, and he is in excellent shape at present.

"Clearly, donning that jersey brings significant duty and immense anticipation, which you must handle."

Manchester City have the chance to narrow the lead to six points on Sunday, though they would require their initial away success against Liverpool with spectators since 2003.

Arteta mentioned he would observe the encounter between the pair of teams that have ruled English football for the last ten years, yet he emphasised that Arsenal must secure numerous further victories to claim the eagerly awaited crown.

"We need to triumph in many more fixtures to accomplish our goal," the Spaniard continued.

"I plan to savour a lovely meal this evening. Come tomorrow, I will begin readying for Brentford (on Thursday), as it promises to be a formidable challenge.

"Meanwhile, I shall tune into a major contest."