Mikel Arteta: Arsenal's Spurs Win Was 'Cathartic Release' After 72 Hours in Hell
| Mikel Arteta praises Arsenal's response to Wolves draw with Spurs victory |
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hails 4-1 win over Tottenham as a 'cathartic release' after recent setbacks. Arsenal thrashes Tottenham 4-1, restoring five-point lead in Premier League title race.
“I watched it back, and there is no explanation for how the hell we drew that game against Wolves...”
Mikel Arteta described Arsenal's 4-1 win over Tottenham as a “cathartic release” after a tough 72 hours following their draw with Wolves. The victory restored Arsenal's five-point lead over Manchester City, thanks to doubles from Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres.
Arteta praised his team's response, saying, “I cannot be prouder and happier from what I saw out there, especially how we lived the last 72 hours.” He added, “When it is really on the edge and people are doubting, you have to stand up.”
Always pushing together ✊
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 22, 2026
Mikel on a memorable derby day 📺
The win was a much-needed boost for Arsenal, who had been left reeling after blowing a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw at Wolves on Wednesday.
The draw had taken the title destiny out of Arsenal's hands, and they were still smarting from the result, which means City will take the title if they win their last 11 games.
Arteta admitted it was hard to lift his players after the Wolves game, but he and his coaching staff worked to revive Arsenal's spirits, whipping them into a frenzy that saw them shred Tottenham.
🎙️ "He just picks on Spurs."
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 22, 2026
Ebere Eze gets ANOTHER! pic.twitter.com/mtRv3O5Jyi
“I cannot be prouder and happier from what I saw out there, especially how we lived the last 72 hours,” Arteta said.
“I watched it back, and there is no explanation for how the hell we drew that game against Wolves. You have to lift yourself up because you are feeling angry, ashamed, upset.
“You don't feel like that when it is just a job. This (is) our passion. It is the purpose we have.
“You have to bring everyone together, and it has been a joy. We said 'let's love the players', but then you have to do it on the pitch, and we were outstanding.”
'You have to stand up': Arsenal proves their metal
Without a major trophy since 2020 and having blown substantial leads to City in the 2023 and 2024 title races, Arsenal's character has been questioned during their recent slump.
Five north London derby goals 😮💨
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 22, 2026
Ebs on another special afternoon ❤️
But Arsenal's third victory in their last eight league games served as much-needed evidence that they aren't certain to choke under the pressure.
Having crushed Tottenham by the same scoreline at the Emirates Stadium in November, it was only the second season after 1934-35 in which the Gunners had won both north London derbies by three or more goals.
Mikel Arteta couldn't resist joining his players on the pitch after the final whistle, basking in the joy of Arsenal's 4-1 win over Tottenham.
The celebration was all the more sweet as it came after a disappointing draw against Wolves, and it showed the team's hunger for victory. Arteta praised his players for their attitude and dominance, saying, “When it's really on the edge and people are doubting, you have to stand up.”
Igor Tudor's first game as Tottenham's interim boss was a tough one, with his team suffering a 4-1 loss to Arsenal. He's facing an uphill battle, with Tottenham struggling with injuries and low confidence, and sitting just four points above the bottom three.
Tudor has been open about the challenges he's facing, describing Tottenham's situation as an “emergency” and acknowledging that the team is “full of problems.” Despite this, he's remained confident, saying he's “100% certain” Tottenham will avoid relegation.
With only 13 fit players available, Tudor's priority is to build team unity and improve their mentality. He's taken steps to do this, taking his players out for a team meal to boost morale.
“There was a big gap between the teams. Arsenal are one of the best teams in the world. They were too much for us in this moment with the problems we have,” Tudor said.
“Our lack of confidence was clear. I'm very sad and angry, but in one way, it is also good to understand the situation.
“Now, in this moment, the team is full of problems. The only key is to work on the training day by day and be humble.
“The medicine is (for) each of us (to) look in the mirror and really try to change the habits.”
Dominance in the derby 💫
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 22, 2026
Highlights from our huge win against Tottenham are live 📺 pic.twitter.com/UpVKcHrf7k

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