Mikel Arteta not sure if Arsenal are Premier League title favourites after win over Fulham – ‘I don’t know’

Leandro Trossard starred for Arteta’s men as Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard all scored in the first half at Craven Cottage.

The result leaves the North Londoners five points clear of Guardiola’s Manchester City, with both sides having played 27 games in the league.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta reflected on the positives from the result.

He said: “I’m really happy to win and get three points away from home, especially with a clean sheet.

“We had a goal disallowed and psychologically we overcame that.

“It’s great to see the goals distributed through the team. Leandro [Trossard] laid on three assists and could also have scored today too. Every time we put the ball in the net it’s great. We practise lots of things and today scored beautiful goals.”

Later at the post-match press conference, Arteta was asked if Guardiola’s recent comments helped his team.

“I don’t know,” he began. “We discuss what we discuss internally to be really humble, to work on the next training session and try to be better every day. That’s our focus, there’s still a huge part of the season to be played.”

When asked about Arsenal fans chanting that the club would win the league, Arteta would not say if he would have joined in.

He continued: “I don’t know, I would be singing with them to support the team. They did exceptionally, and the amount of people we have coming here, their attitude, commitment, the energy they’re putting in, it’s incredible. We’re going to need that. It’s a game changer for us.

“It does push me to the limit because in the Premier League 1-0 or 2-0 is not enough. Obviously with 3-0 the game changes, but there was still a lot to play for. We dropped the levels a bit in the first few minutes of the second half, but I think the boys had an outstanding performance against a top team so today is a day to praise them.”

Arteta was also able to welcome Gabriel Jesus back to the side from the subs’ bench after months out with injury, and the Spaniard was delighted to have him back.

“He was so happy,” he said. “He put a lot into the last few months and all the staff had spent hours together to try to fulfil all his needs. He wanted more and more and more, he was very willing to get back. To see him there with a smile on his face was a joy, I was really happy for him.”

He described his return as a, “big boost. The first step today. We didn’t know if it was the right game today. He said to me a few days ago, ‘I’m still missing something.’

“Yesterday I looked in his eyes and he said, ‘I’m ready’. I said, ‘OK!’ So then we had the opportunity to throw him in. It’s that first step to give him the big boost. He looks free, he looks ready and straight away he generated those two big chances. It’s great to have him back.”

Arsenal’s focus will shift to the Europa League next, with the return leg against Sporting on Thursday before another London derby versus Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.