Mikel Arteta plays down Arsenal’s Premier League title chances after victory over Tottenham

Mikel Arteta has played down his Arsenal side’s chances of winning the Premier League following a great start to the season.

The Gunners have won seven of their eight games to top the table, the 3-1 defeat to Manchester United last month the only time they have dropped points this season.

Arsenal were dominant from the first whistle and produced an outstanding display to down their fierce rivals Tottenham on Saturday, a result that will catch the eye across the nation.

On whether Arsenal are genuine title contenders, he said: “I leave that to you guys, honestly.

“We’re just at the start and we are really happy with where we are and understanding that you cannot control… because emotion is related and the table says what it says but it’s not something we will look at, to be fair.”

Arteta was keen to emphasise how the mentality has now changed since their last derby match in May when Arsenal lost 3-0, a result that ultimately cost the Gunners a place in the top-four.

“For me the message is to the players and everybody here at the club that we are able to play at this level against this kind of opponent.

“That should give them confidence and belief.”