Mikel Arteta hails Arsenal ‘statement’ win after Bukayo Saka’s ‘magic moment’ against Everton

Gabriel Martinelli scored twice and there were also goals for Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.

The result moves Arsenal five points clear of second-placed Manchester City with 13 games of the season remaining.

“It’s a statement that we’re here and want to continue to do this,” Arsenal manager Arteta told Sky Sports.

Arsenal got the breakthrough in the 40th minute when Saka opened the scoring.

Arteta said the goal “unlocked” the game for his side and helped them grow in confidence.

“I am delighted with the win and the way we played after the first 25 minutes,” he told BBC Sport.

“We had some difficulties at the start. They are difficult to play against.

“Once we scored the first goal, the game unlocked. We needed a magic moment and Bukayo produced that. After that we grew and deserved to win the game.

“With the way they play, direct, second balls, a small lead isn’t enough. We played really well in the second half and could have scored more. I am delighted when I see the team play the way we want to.

“I’m really happy with the maturity and quality we showed.”

Arsenal face three sides in the bottom half of the Premier League table in their next four games – Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Leeds, all at home.

Positive results across those games will see them edge closer to a first league title since 2004.

“When you look at the players every day you can see how much they want it,” added Arteta.

“They are so willing to learn. They can never have enough information. When you have that and the talent they have, good things will happen.”

Defeat for Everton is their third in their last four matches and they are inside the relegation zone, a point below 17th-placed Leeds.

“We’re not naive. I knew it wasn’t all rosy when I came,” said manager Sean Dyche, who beat Arsenal in his first game in charge of Everton.

“There’s plenty of work to do, I know that.

“Every game is a big game. I’ve told the players that. We’re not a million miles away from the previous performances.

“But we have to make the details better.”