By Betsefy
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has claimed that it is a “privilege” to manage his current Gunners crop in the wake of their 3-1 North London derby win over Tottenham Hotspur.
The 40-year-old witnessed Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus and Granit Xhaka find the back of the net as he became only the third Arsenal manager in history to win each of his first three league North London derbies at home.
Harry Kane had restored parity for Tottenham from the spot, but the Lilywhites’ fleeting hopes of a comeback were further dashed when Emerson Royal saw red for a challenge on Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal moved four points clear of their North London rivals with victory on Saturday before Manchester City cut the gap at the top back down to one point with a 6-3 win over Manchester United 24 hours later.
With 21 points taken from a possible 24, whispers of a title charge are beginning to emanate from the Emirates, and Arteta is overjoyed to work with his “unique” squad at London Colney.
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When asked by the press if he is aiming to build a legacy with his current Arsenal team, the Spaniard responded: “I don’t know if it is, if it’s possible. But I would like to.
“Especially because of how they are as human beings. What we are trying to do is much deeper than just being professional and play for the club. If we can and results and other things allow us I would like to.
“I’ve said many times and everyone that works with them on daily basis will always say the same thing – to work with them is a privilege. It’s great to see their enjoyment and passion. You see a sense of something that is unique and real. It’s great to be part of it as a player and as manager.”
Arsenal were largely untroubled in the second half against Tottenham following Emerson’s sending off, but Antonio Conte‘s side did enjoy some joy on the counter-attacking front in the opening exchanges.
Arteta conceded that defending against the pace and skilfulness of Tottenham’s front three on the counter was impossible, but he was confident in his side’s own strengths to fight fire with fire.
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“When you don’t have the ball when they win it, they can counter. The further the ball is, the more dangerous they are – we know that,” Arteta added.
“Harry Kane was looking at our bench and they punt the ball through two defenders to Son down the right. You cannot defend against that – there are certain things you cannot defend and you have to accept that.
“There are some things you can’t defend and you have to accept it because it is their quality. We have to play to our strengths and we use our strengths because we want to beat them.”
Arsenal temporarily turn their attention to the Europa League for Thursday’s Group A clash with Norway’s Bodo/Glimt before returning to the Emirates to face Liverpool in Sunday’s Premier League battle.
Goalscorers Jesus and Xhaka also spoke to the media following Saturday’s emphatic win, and the former affirmed that he “feels at home” in North London following his summer arrival from Manchester City.
