Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta celebrates ‘special’ derby victory over Spurs

Soccer – Premier League – Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England – January 15, 2023 Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates after Martin Odegaard scores the second goal Action Image via Reuters/Paul Childs

LONDON – Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta hailed Sunday’s derby victory over Tottenham Hotspur and urged his side to celebrate every moment of their eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

An early own goal from Hugo Lloris and a fine strike from Martin Odegaard helped Arsenal complete their first league double over Tottenham since 2013-14, with the Gunners beating Spurs for the first time in the league since March 2014.

The victory sparked wild celebrations at the final whistle, as the rejuvenated Gunners took their points to 47 from 18 league games – the most points won at this stage of the season in the league’s history.

“I am very happy for two reasons,” said Arteta. “One because I see a lot of determination, quality and we really want today to come here and win the game.

“And the other thing is because we have a job where we have the privilege, we can make a lot of people happy. Celebrating the victory with the fans is a good feeling and suffering makes sense when you have moments like this.

“It’s great and to go into the dressing room and just feel the joy and togetherness in the team and how special it is to them.”

The eight points is the biggest lead Arsenal have had at the top of the Premier League, having played the same number of games as the teams below, since the final day of the 2003-04 season, when they won the title by 11 points. They haven’t won the league since.

“We know that we are here because of the way we play, the way we act, the way we are and the way we live together and we must not forget because tomorrow we must try to do the same,” he said. .

“This (win) has a big emotional attachment because obviously there is a big history between the two clubs and it means to be able to win. (Eight points clear) is a good position and let’s enjoy every moment.

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