Mikel Arteta said Arsenal “showed what we’re made of” in a 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, describing the performance as a strong response to his earlier feelings of being “ashamed” by the team’s previous draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Arteta, speaking after the North London derby, framed the result as a test of character following the setback at Wolves. He explained that the emotions from that draw had lingered within the squad and staff, prompting a demand for a stronger reaction. According to the Arsenal manager, the players answered that demand with intensity, discipline, and a level of resilience he felt had been missing in their previous outing.
The match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium saw Arsenal gain control through clinical attacking play and a compact defensive structure that limited the home side’s opportunities. Arteta highlighted the team’s work rate off the ball and their willingness to track runners, press collectively, and manage key moments under pressure. He noted that the ability to stay organized in transitions and maintain focus late in the game was crucial in preserving the advantage and extending the lead.
Arteta also referenced the mental aspect of responding to criticism, both internal and external, after the Wolves result. He suggested that the players took responsibility for that performance and used it as motivation in the derby. In his view, the contrast between the disappointment at Molineux and the display against Tottenham underlined the squad’s determination to improve and compete at a high level over the course of the season.
While emphasizing pride in the derby win, Arteta maintained that consistency remains the broader objective. He indicated that the challenge for Arsenal is to reproduce the same level of intensity and concentration in upcoming fixtures, rather than treating a derby victory as an endpoint. The manager concluded that the result against Tottenham was an important step in demonstrating Arsenal’s ability to react to adversity and maintain their ambitions in the league campaign.
