Mikel Arteta reacts to Arsenal's nine-point gap at top Premier League, says 'we still have to win so many games'

Mikel Arteta said Arsenal's nine-point gap at the top of the standings has no value after the Gunners defeated newly promoted team Sunderland 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta reacts to nine-point lead over Manchester City in Premier League

A goal from Martin Zubimendi and a second-half brace from Gyokeres saw Arsenal provisionally put more daylight between them and second-placed Manchester City. The Cityzens are set for a big game today as they face Liverpool at Anfield.

Talking after the match, Arteta emphasised that their current lead does not have any effect on what is likely to take place in May, focusing that there are so many matches remaining to play.

When questioned about what it means to have a nine-point gap at the top, Arteta responded:

“Nothing, we still have to win so many games to achieve what we want. So, there's no focus on that; that's something else. We've done our job now; we've had what we have to do, so I assess that, try to improve it, and get ready for Brentford.”

After a 3-2 loss against Manchester United, Arsenal have now won each of their last two league games . They will lock horns with Brentford on Thursday, February 12.

Arteta heaps praise on Viktor Gyokeres after win vs Sunderland

Arteta spoke highly of Gyokeres, appreciating the striker's character after coming off the bench to score two goals in their win against Sunderland.

After a run of one goal in 11 Premier League games, Gyokeres has now amassed three goals in his last two league matches. It was an upturn in form for the Swede after a period that saw him endure backlash for lack of goals.

When asked about Gyokeres' resilience and mental toughness, the Arsenal boss said:

“Well, the type of character that we expected, and obviously when you put that shirt on, it comes with a lot of responsibility and huge expectations, and you need to live with that. And in your journey here, you're going to have moments where it goes really well and others that are going to be tough. Because, as well, you have an opponent that plays a part and he makes it really difficult for you. But I love his character, the way he approaches every single day and the fact that he's so focused on the present, what he has to do, and he has a genuine will to help the team in whatever role he has.”

Since the turn of the year, no Premier League player has scored more goals across all competitions than Viktor Gyokeres (5).