Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta noted that his side have yet to match the feats of Manchester City or Liverpool when asked if the Gunners could challenge for the Premier League title this season. The Spaniard oversaw an impressive 3-2 victory over the Reds on Sunday to send Arsenal back to the top of the table.
For the first time in a long time, Arsenal fans may have imagined their chances heading into a draw with Liverpool, who came close to an unprecedented quadruple last season. His faith was shown to be well placed from the start as Gabriel Martinelli raced behind to get on the scoreboard within a minute.
Darwin Núñez’s reply for Liverpool was nullified before halftime when Bukayo Saka restored the home team’s advantage. After the break, a goal each from Roberto Firmino and Saka once again completed the scoring as Arteta left with a 3-2 victory and three more points.
Asked how victory will affect his players, he told Sky Sports: “That’s the word: more belief and confidence that we can compete and play at this level and really win, which is the most important thing.
Arteta then addressed those who say the Gunners are not ready to challenge for the Premier League title yet. “Man City and Liverpool are really strong,” he added. “They’ve shown it for five years and we haven’t done any of that.”