SBOTOP : Mikel Arteta Proud as Arsenal Crush Tottenham, Calls It a Potential Turning Point

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed immense pride after his team dominated Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 in the North London derby on Sunday (22/2/2026). The emphatic victory not only reinforced Arsenal’s superiority in the capital but also extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points, a result Arteta believes could serve as a pivotal moment for the season.

After a disappointing draw against Wolves earlier in the week, Arsenal’s response was commanding. The previous result, where they squandered a 2-0 lead, had opened the door for Manchester City to close in on the title if they continued their strong run across the remaining 11 matches of the season.

A Statement Victory After Wolves Setback

“After what happened against Wolves, it was tough, but that’s the beauty of this game,” Arteta admitted. “When you watch it back, you can’t understand how they managed to equalize. You feel anger, disappointment, embarrassment. We all come from different nationalities, different personalities, but it’s rewarding to see how we come together and ask: ‘How do we use this as a turning point and make ourselves better?’ This is bigger than work; it’s our passion, our purpose. It hurts, but it can be incredibly rewarding.”

Arteta emphasized that the win was more than just pride. It was an opportunity for the squad to regain momentum and set the tone for the remainder of the season. The response showcased Arsenal’s ability to rebound from setbacks, a quality that could prove decisive in a tight title race.

Consistency Remains Key

Heading into a weekend free from midweek fixtures for the first time in two months, Arteta appeared relaxed but remained clear about the importance of sustaining form. “It feels like we’re showing who we really are, but you have to show it again and again and again,” he said.

The manager highlighted the team’s unity and mental strength, praising the players’ collective effort over the past 72 hours. “I couldn’t be prouder or happier with what I’ve seen, especially with how we’ve approached the last three days,” Arteta added.

Consistency, according to Arteta, will be crucial as Arsenal aim to maintain their lead and withstand the challenges posed by Manchester City and other title contenders. Each match, particularly in the coming weeks, will test the squad’s resilience and ability to replicate this high standard.

Eberechi Eze Shines Once Again

Arteta singled out Eberechi Eze for special praise. Following a hat-trick in the previous derby at Emirates Stadium, Eze delivered two more goals in this encounter, demonstrating his growing influence and attacking prowess.

“I can see he wants to prove something,” Arteta remarked. “He was even frustrated with me for not starting him against Wolves. But look at him now—he responds on the pitch, and that’s exactly the mentality we need.”

Eze’s contributions exemplify the talent and determination within the squad. Arteta’s comments underline the importance of giving players the right opportunities and maintaining trust, which has paid dividends in this decisive victory over Tottenham.

Derby Victory as a Potential Turning Point

The 4-1 result against Tottenham could mark a psychological turning point for Arsenal this season. After previous setbacks, the team has shown resilience, unity, and a willingness to learn from past mistakes. Arteta’s management and tactical adjustments, coupled with standout individual performances, have reinforced the squad’s confidence and self-belief.

For Arteta, the win is both a morale booster and a reminder of the level of consistency required to secure the Premier League title. Maintaining focus, discipline, and performance standards will be critical as Arsenal navigate the remaining fixtures of the 2025/26 campaign.

Conclusion

Arsenal’s dominant derby victory over Tottenham highlighted their strength, unity, and readiness to respond to setbacks. Mikel Arteta’s pride in his team reflects not only the tactical and technical quality displayed but also the mental resilience of the squad. With consistency as the guiding principle and players like Eberechi Eze stepping up at crucial moments, this win could indeed serve as a season-defining turning point.

As Arsenal continue their pursuit of the Premier League crown, the lessons from this emphatic derby victory will be invaluable. Arteta’s squad now faces the challenge of maintaining momentum, capitalizing on their lead, and demonstrating that this triumph is not just a fleeting highlight, but the foundation for sustained success in the closing stages of the season.

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