Viktor Gyokeres says Arsenal’s emphatic derby win over Tottenham was the ideal riposte to recent criticism of the team’s title credentials.

ARSENAL striker Viktor Gyokeres declared his side’s 4-1 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur as the “perfect response” to recent criticism. The Gunners produced a dominant display at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium just days after a disappointing draw with bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze both scored twice in Sunday’s emphatic victory. The result restored Arsenal’s five-point lead at the Premier League summit over champions Manchester City.

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“It’s always going to be difficult when you get a result like we had at Wolves, but it’s how you handle that, and how you respond to it, and today we showed that in a good way,” said Gyokeres. The Sweden international, who now has 10 league goals this season, added that the performance was “the perfect way to respond.”

The win came after Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw by Wolves last Wednesday. That result had prompted fresh questions about the team’s mental strength in the title race.

Manager Mikel Arteta’s side now have a rare free midweek after avoiding Champions League play-offs. Manchester City also do not play until Saturday, with manager Pep Guardiola saying he would let his players “relax with a few cocktails” during the break.

Responding to Guardiola’s plans, Arteta said with a smile: “Cocktails? I don’t drink cocktails. So, no, we will do our own thing.” Gyokeres remained focused on the remaining fixtures, stating: “There’s a lot of games to go, but if we perform like this, it’s going to be good.”

Arsenal last won the English top-flight title in 2004.

 The Sun Malaysia