Arsenal sent yet another message to those doubting their Premier League title credentials in front of two men who now exactly what it takes to win one.
Club legends Thierry Henry and Arsene Wenger were in attendance at the Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day as the Gunners came from behind to beat West Ham 3-1.
Mikel Arteta’s men were perhaps unfortunate to be a goal down at half time – West Ham’s opener coming via a Said Benrahma penalty – having dominated possession and threatened to open up the Hammers defence on numerous occasions.
In times gone by the Gooners faithful would’ve got on the backs of the players, who would’ve subsequently wilted under the toxic atmosphere.
But this season has been different for the north Londoners and by the time referee Michael Oliver blew the final whistle the ground was jubilant as Arsenal turned the game on its head thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah in a second-half display of excellent resolve.
The result sees Arsenal extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points and talkSPORT’s Alvin Martin believes Arteta’s men have showed they’ve got what it takes to go all the way.
“They didn’t give West Ham time to catch breath. It takes a lot of belief and know-how to do that,” Martin said.
“This West Ham team have got a lot of ability, I’ve never seen Declan Rice get dispossessed or put under pressure when he had the ball so much.
“It tells me that they haven’t just got technique and attacking philosophy, it tells me they’ve got courage, character, togetherness, know-how, intelligence, all the things you need to win a title.”
Wenger had a penchant for winning titles for Arsenal, three in the space of seven Premier League seasons to be precise, during their pomp.
The Frenchman was watching his beloved Arsenal at the Emirates for the first time since he left his post as Gunners boss back in May 2018, and Arteta, who played under Wenger, was delighted to have him back.
“It’s very special because Stan and Josh [Kroenke] are here as well,” Arteta told talkSPORT.
“Arsene is back finally with us and I think we really needed that because he needs to feel how much everybody loves him, everything he has left here… I have a lot of admiration for him.”
The idea that being top at Christmas means it’s your title to lose is somewhat misleading this term as we’re not as far through the season as usual.
Arteta has distanced his side from title talk all season and admitted there is a belief in the camp but was quick to make sure he wasn’t looking too far ahead.
“There is a lot of belief but there is a lot of humbleness as well,” Arteta said.
“Brighton’s going to be a very difficult test, the way they are playing they’re going to make it really hard for us and we’re going to start preparing for that tomorrow.”
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