Arteta says nine-point lead means 'nothing' as Arsenal move clear

Mikel Arteta insisted Arsenal's nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League "means nothing" after the side beat Sunderland 3-0 at the Emirates to extend their advantage over Manchester City. He stressed the team must still win many more games and urged focus on improving ahead of the trip to Brentford.

Arsenal have won their last two league fixtures, with Viktor Gyökeres scoring twice against the Black Cats. About the striker, Arteta said: "[He is] the type of character that we expected... you need to live with that." He praised Gyökeres’s consistency in training, his focus on the present and the way he helps the team in whatever role he has.

Arteta also defended the style of his team, saying he hears the opposite of domestic critics and that around Europe Arsenal are seen as "the most exciting team in Europe – the most goals, the most clean sheets." When asked about his detractors he joked for their contact details so he could speak with them.