Derby display shows we can handle title pressure, says Arteta

MIKEL ARTETA believes Arsenal’s thumping win over Chelsea has filled his players with the belief they can handle the pressure of the title run-in.

Arsenal’s 5-0 victory was their biggest over Chelsea and took them three points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Liverpool can go level with Arteta’s side if they win at Everton tonight, while Manchester City are four points off the top, with two games in hand.

Arteta has urged his players to be “super aggressive” ahead of Sunday’s north London derby, as he looks to end the club’s 20-year wait to win the title.

“It is great for us obviously [to beat Chelsea] and for the confidence and the belief that we can do it as well,” said Arteta (below, last night). “That we can come to these stages against big teams and perform and win games the way we’ve done it tonight. “I am very focused on the message internally. [The players] have to really believe they can do it, because they are good enough. We have done it for eight-and-a-half months and we are determined, we are composed, but at the same time super aggressive. The way we have been all season — go for it.”

Leandro Trossard opened the scoring after just four minutes, but it was in the second half when Arsenal clicked into gear. Ben White scored twice and Kai Havertz also bagged a brace against his former club.

“Kai was amazing,” said White. “He deserves it. He has been outstanding since he came in. You don’t realise how good he is until you play with him.

“It was an amazing performance from all of us and it is important to keep going and giving our best.

“I guess [it was a message to our title rivals]. Obviously it was a massive game and I bet they are all watching.”

Top Guns flex muscles in ominous warning to title rivals Pages 34&35