Mikel Arteta says Arsenal’s 4-2 win at Brighton proved the Premier League leaders have the “desire” needed to lift the title for the first time since 2004.
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Arteta’s side will go into the new year seven points clear of second-placed Manchester City after winning their fifth straight league title.
Goals from Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Eddie Nketiah set the Gunners on course to cement their unexpected status as serious title contenders.
Kaoru Mitoma reduced Brighton’s deficit before Martinelli raced half the length of the pitch to finish off Odegaard’s sublime pass.
Brighton substitute Evan Ferguson claimed his first Premier League goal in the closing stages, but Arsenal survived a nervous spell to make it nine league wins from 10 games.
“It was a big win against a very good side. We had a big time, especially attacking the spaces with the way we played. We were ruthless, clinical,” said Arteta.
“We had some good moments, and also moments when we had to dig in and suffer. You expect it against Brighton.”
After squandering a golden opportunity to qualify for the Champions League by collapsing at the bottom of the Premier League last season, Arsenal have found themselves unable to make a run before this season either.
But Gunners boss Arteta has worked well to revive the team, fueling the dream among fans to win the first English title since Arsene Wenger’s “Invincibles”.
Arsenal’s 43 points from 16 games is one of the five best starts to the season in England’s top flight, with the other four teams all set to claim the title.
“You can’t expect to concede anything with the way we played. This is a big test for us, but we won two in a row after the break and now we go to the next one,” said Arteta.
“I think we have enough desire. We know other results, but we know our success will come from what we do.
“This is what we want to continue, to improve as a team and play better, to dominate all areas like we did today. We had to suffer but we showed that we can manage the game.