Mikel Arteta has sent a clear message to Manchester City: Arsenal are far from finished. After a commanding 3-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday, the Premier League leaders now sit six points clear of their title rivals, and Arteta is confident his team is hitting top form at the perfect moment.
The Gunners were unstoppable in the first half at the Emirates Stadium, with Viktor Gyokeres opening the scoring before Bukayo Saka doubled the lead. Gyokeres then completed the demolition, putting Arsenal in control before halftime. It was a performance that reminded everyone why this team is chasing their first English title in 22 years.
Arsenal's recent form had raised some concerns, with damaging defeats against City and Bournemouth in April suggesting they might be feeling the pressure. But Saturday's display showed a team that has steadied its nerves and is ready to push through the finish line. Arteta's side has now won more games in a single season than any other Arsenal team in history—and they're not done yet.
"Game two done. Another three to go," Arteta said, counting down the remaining league matches. "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 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."
City, meanwhile, will have the chance to close the gap when they face Everton on Monday. They hold two games in hand over Arsenal and can draw level on points if they win both, though the Gunners currently boast a superior goal difference. The title race is far from over, but Arsenal have put the ball firmly in City's court.
A key factor in Arsenal's resurgence has been the return of Bukayo Saka. The winger made his first start since recovering from an Achilles injury that sidelined him for five games, and his impact was immediate. "We know what he is capable of," Arteta said. "He comes back at the most important part of the season. His mind is fresh, he has the hunger. 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 underlines the confidence among his players that they can finally win the title after three successive runners-up finishes. For fans and neutrals alike, this is shaping up to be a thrilling conclusion to the Premier League season.