Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes that his side are transmitting a "really powerful" connection after dominating Tottenham Hotspur in a 3-1 North London derby win.
The Gunners were at risk of losing their grip on top spot to Antonio Conte's side at the Emirates, but Arteta's side put in a scintillating display to earn the local bragging rights.
Thomas Partey's stunning strike put Arsenal ahead before Gabriel Magalhaes brought down Richarlison inside the area, and Harry Kane converted the resulting penalty to level for Tottenham.
However, Gabriel Jesus restored Arsenal's lead four minutes into the second half before Granit Xhaka put the cherry and the icing on the cake for the Premier League leaders.
Arteta's side have now opened up a four-point gap over Tottenham and Manchester City at the top of the table, and the Spaniard is sensing a powerful energy around the ground.
© Reuters
"I'm really happy, it was a great performance, a great day with an incredible atmosphere to play in," Arteta told reporters, as quoted by arsenal.com.
"I'm so grateful to all the people that connect with the team in such a special way. I'm really happy because it's an opportunity to make a lot of people happy and proud and I think we have delivered that to all of them.
"I think it started in that dressing room when you get the right people and the right players and they start to connect with each other. It takes it to another level with all the members of staff that are a huge part of the team and it doesn't matter at what level, it can be at the highest level.
"When they start to connect, you can then deliver that to the pitch and start to transmit certain things on the pitch and then when you connect the way we have done with our fans and it becomes something really powerful. I think this is the biggest success that this group of players are having."
Partey recovered from knee discomfort to make the starting lineup for the North London derby, and prior to the game, he had only ever scored two headers for the Gunners.
© Reuters
The 29-year-old has witnessed several long-range efforts fly over the bar in Arsenal colours, but in the 20th minute of the contest, he picked out the top corner with a delightful first-time effort.
Arsenal had to be patient for the opener - making 22 passes in that phase of play - and Arteta believes that the team's understanding was key to breaking down the Spurs backline.
"The moment that the ball was going into the net and I could see it going in, and then obviously the celebration!" Arteta responded when asked about his favourite aspect of Partey's strike.
"If we can score in one, I would prefer it! It's quicker, you are closer to the goal and it's easier to do. It's the way we play that we trained for every single day, but I think as a team that connection and understanding of what we want to do is reflected in that action."
Man City will aim to cut the gap back down to one point in Sunday's derby with Manchester United, while Arsenal now prepare for battle against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday.
No Data Analysis info
