Manager Mikel Arteta liked “everything” he saw from his players in Arsenal’s dominating 2-0 victory away to arch-rivals Tottenham.
The Gunners were fantastic in the opening 45 minutes, going into the break up by two goals to nil.
Spurs improved in the second half – as they have done in lots of games this season – but Aaron Ramsdale was on top form to keep a clean sheet.
Sunday’s victory was Arsenals’ first Premier League win at Spurs since 2014 and Arteta says he is delighted with his side’s performance.
Asked what he liked in the north London derby win, the Spaniard told Sky Sports: “Everything. I loved the way we played and the courage we showed to come here and play. Doing our job we can make a lot of people happy, and I’m sure we’ve made Arsenal fans very happy.
“It is not for me. Everything we ask, they are so willing to try and do. They are a terrific group of players. I think today we went another step. We won last season in big stadiums, but the way we won today was really pleasing to watch.
“It shows not only determination and courage but you have to have the belief and quality to do it against this team. That is absolutely down to the players.
“We were really aggressive. We were really intense against the high press. We won so many balls and duels. They created some openings, they are a dangerous team, but we did a lot of good work today.”
Adding to BBC Match of the Day, Arteta added: “It was great to watch, a terrific match. We had some very good moments. We showed a lot of belief, determination and quality to show the way we wanted to play and dominate the game. It is never easy to play this team, especially in this stadium.
“We want to do that [show authority from the start] but what you can do against this team is very different. We imposed the game and were very determined and really intense. The willingness to regain the ball very quickly was really good.
“Those experiences have to help you to improve. Normally you learn more from difficult moments than from good moments. It was a different game and different moment in the season. You have to go out there and do it and that was the most complicated part.
“They [Spurs] have come back from difficult results, particularly at home. If you look at their quality in the top three if you don’t do anything right they will punish you.”
On going eight points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, Arteta said: “It was an opportunity. We said to enjoy it. We have a job we can make a lot of people happy and I’m sure a lot of Arsenal fans are proud tonight.”
Arteta was asked about the incident at full-time when goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was kicked in the back by a Spurs fan.
He said: “I haven’t seen anything and I don’t want to, I just want to talk about football and the beautiful game we just played. Tomorrow we can review that.”
Arsenal were notably chasing the signing of Mykhaylo Mudryk, who has now signed for Chelsea for around £88million.
Asked how he feels after losing out on a top transfer target, Arteta said: “I am very proud to have the players we have. We always want to try to improve the squad.
“The club are the first to try and improve the players we have. We have to have some discipline and be consistent in the targets we have. We can make the players better – let’s focus on that.”
Arteta did admit he could do with an extra player or two, however.
“We had some injuries, long-term injuries and it’s not helpful but we can focus on tomorrow,” he said.
“Train better, train better and review the game. We will try to improve the team. There are always a few parties involved. The club are willing and they have my support and I have their support.”
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