Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has dismissed the significance of his side’s nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, insisting it counts for “nothing” at this stage of the season.
The Gunners strengthened their position on Saturday with a dominant 3-0 victory over Sunderland, increasing the pressure on defending champions Manchester City.
Substitute Viktor Gyökeres stole the spotlight with a second-half brace after Martin Zubimendi had given Arsenal the lead before the break.
Despite the advantage—Arsenal’s biggest since their unbeaten title-winning campaign in the 2003/2004 season—Arteta remained cautious ahead of City’s trip to Liverpool on Sunday.
When asked about the importance of such a commanding lead, the Spanish coach was blunt.
“Nothing,” Arteta said.
“We still have to win so many games to achieve what we want, so let’s not focus on that. That’s something else. We’ve done our job now, we’ve had what we have to do, assess that, try to improve it and get ready for Brentford [on Thursday].”
Arteta’s comments underline his determination to keep his squad focused as Arsenal continue their push for the Premier League title.
