Tottenham 1-4 Arsenal: Gunners pass derby test of nerve as title race hots up

And there was more good news with much-criticised striker Viktor Gyokores also scoring two fine goals on a perfect day for the Gunners and their ecstatic fanbase.

Arsenal were not knocked out of their stride, even after Randal Kolo Muani’s bustling equaliser for Spurs two minutes after Eze struck the first blow. This was a confident, reassuring performance.

Arteta told BBC Radio 5 Live: “This was outstanding. I think you have to bring context to the situation and this is the beauty of football.

“You go to Wolves and you drop two points in the last kick of the match. Watching it back, there is no understanding from my perception how the hell that happened.

“It feels like the end of the world, but then you have another opportunity and that is the beauty of it. In a difficult stadium, against our rivals, and seeing how much it means to us in the league and all our supporters.”

He added: “This chapter we wanted to write. We have managed it.”

BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy expects the race between the two to go right to the finishing line.

He said: “The title race is still on massively for both. It’s in both their hands, that’s unusual. Normally it’s in one team’s hands and you are just waiting for them to slip up.

“I have been very much in the Arsenal camp in terms of my eyes telling me they are the best team. The last couple of results have given Man City that little bit of hope. They have a lot of players in the squad who have been there and done it.

“Speaking from experience, when you have got over the line, the next couple feel easier. Every time Arsenal go on the pitch the pressure is on at the minute. It’s great for us and I hope it goes to the wire. I don’t see any winning all games from now until the end of the season.”

Arsenal‘s nerve was put the test. They passed – and more tests will come for the Gunners and Manchester City as the Premier League pursuit reaches its climax.