Gyökeres hails Arsenal response as derby win silences critics

• Arsenal respond to Wolves setback with emphatic north London derby victory
• Viktor Gyökeres praises team unity and mentality after crucial squad meeting
• Gunners move five points clear at the top of the Premier League

Viktor Gyökeres described Arsenal’s dominant 4-1 victory over Tottenham as the perfect response to growing criticism after their damaging draw at Wolves earlier in the week.

Gyökeres and Eberechi Eze both scored twice as the Gunners swept aside their north London rivals, moving five points clear of Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League. The result provided a powerful answer to doubts over Arsenal’s title credentials, which had intensified following the collapse of a two goal lead at Molineux.

The Sweden international said the manner of the performance underlined the squad’s resilience and mentality.

“It is always difficult when you get a result like we had at Wolves,” Gyökeres said. “But it is about how you handle that and how you respond. Today we showed that in a very good way. To get this result and this performance was the perfect way to respond, and it is a good sign.

“The important thing now is that we keep showing it in the next game and the game after that. There are a lot of matches to go, but if we perform like this, it is going to be good.”

Arsenal’s players held a frank in house meeting after the disappointment at Wolves, with senior figures encouraging open discussion and honesty. Declan Rice revealed before the derby that the conversation had been firm, and Gyökeres said the exchange helped bring the group closer together.

“It is important sometimes to say what you feel and to let it all out,” he added. “Most of us spoke, and everyone can understand how different people feel in the moment. When you speak openly like that, you grow closer as a group.

“If you are not honest, it is hard to improve. It was a good chat, and we enjoyed today, but now we focus on preparing for a big game against Chelsea next weekend.”

The derby success also offers Arsenal a rare chance to reset, with no midweek fixture following their direct qualification for the Champions League knockout stage. Manchester City, their closest challengers, are also without a midweek game, and Pep Guardiola joked that his players would enjoy a few cocktails before returning to work.

Mikel Arteta, smiling at the suggestion, made clear his approach would be different.

“Cocktails? I do not drink cocktails,” he said. “We will do our own thing.”

For Arsenal, that approach is working. After wobbling at Wolves, they delivered a statement performance when it mattered most, reinforcing their position at the top of the table and sending a clear message that their title ambitions remain firmly on track.