Arsenal peaking at the right time says Arteta
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Mikel Arteta warned Manchester City that Arsenal aren't finished yet after the Premier League leaders moved six points clear of their title rivals with a 3-0 win against Fulham on Saturday.
Arteta's charges swept Fulham aside with three goals in the
first half at the Emirates Stadium.
Viktor Gyokeres opened the scoring and Bukayo Saka bagged
the second before Gyokeres completed the demolition.
The Gunners have opened up a significant gap on
second-placed City as they chase a first English title in 22 years.
City will play the first of their two games in hand on
Arsenal when they visit Everton on Monday.
After showing signs of choking during damaging defeats
against City and Bournemouth in April, Arsenal have steadied their nerves in
time to pile pressure on Pep Guardiola's men.
City can draw level on points with Arsenal, who have a
better goal difference at present, if they win their games in hand.
Counting down Arsenal's remaining league matches, Arteta
said: "Game two done. Another three to go. We won the most games in the
history of this club in a whole season and it's not finished.
"It was a critical game because we knew the importance
of the win and the goal difference in the Premier League.
"It was a great team performance. We started in the
game as we wanted. Very lively. Really intense in the high press.
"We got the crowd going and when this stadium creates
that kind of atmosphere, it can be difficult for the opposition."
Saka was key to Arsenal's improvement in his first start
since returning from an Achilles injury that ruled him out for five games.
"We know what he is capable of. He comes back at the
most important part of the season. His mind is fresh, he has the hunger,"
Arteta said.
"We are ramping up his minutes. We need to be careful
because we need him on the pitch."
After some anxious performances in recent weeks, this was
Arsenal at their free-flowing best.
Arteta believes the dynamic display underlined the
confidence among his players that they can finally win the title after three
successive runners-up finishes.
"It says to us and our dressing room that we keep the
dream alive. What our guys have done in these circumstances, without so many
injured players at different times, it is incredible," he said.
"This is going to carry the energy into the next
game."
Next up for Arsenal is their Champions League semi-final
second leg against Atletico Madrid at the Emirates.
The tie is delicately balanced at 1-1 as Arsenal look to
reach the final of Europe's elite club competition for only the second time.
"We talk about hunger and we had that today.
Understanding that you don't want to be distracted (by) a huge game here on
Tuesday, we played with authority and desire," Arteta said.
"We have a lot of rhythm. We are used to playing every
three days and we will play one of the biggest games in the history of this
stadium."
Before the date with Diego Simeone's side, Arteta will put
his feet up and watch City's showdown with Everton.
"Yes because I love football and there is so much at stake," he said when asked if he would tune in.

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