Mikel Arteta says title challenge is on after Arsenal paste Palace | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are in the hunt for the Premier League title after his side hammered Crystal Palace 5-1 at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening.

Gabriel Jesus scored a brace either side of an Ismaila Sarr goal for the hosts, before Kai Havertz capitalised on a rebound to put them two ahead before the break.

Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice both found the net in the second half to complete the rout for the Gunners’ first league win in three games.

The convincing win came just days after Arsenal beat the same opposition 3-2 to reach the semi-finals of the League Cup.

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“It is always really tough to come here against this team,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “Playing them twice in three days makes it trickier but we started really well and then had a period of doubt. Got control and got dominance and were clinical.

“I am very happy to score five away from home in the Premier League. I don’t know how many times we have done that in the calendar year but quite a lot. It is remarkable.

“In front of goal and the way we approach the games away from home it tells everything about the team, the hunger, the desire, the way we want to play and these records hopefully will come to give us the big things that we want to achieve.”

Arsenal are now just three points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who have played two fewer matches. They were considered one of the favourites to top the table this term, but have already dropped 12 points, having dropped only 20 all last season.

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Mikel Arteta says Arsenal title challenge is on

“We want it but we have to show it for 10 months,” Arteta said. “The demands are incredible to play every three days for 12-13 weeks is crazy. We are trying our best. We have lost some players, it is happening to every team. We want to try.

“For us it is great. If we win we have done the job. We are in a really good run. Even though we have drawn two games in the Premier League we fully deserved to win. I am going to enjoy more Christmas with my family because when you win it is always better.”

He concluded: “We are not halfway but we are going to try. For us it is on.”

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