Arsenal responded to their critics in the most emphatic way possible on Sunday, smashing bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 away from home. The victory was crucial in maintaining their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, but according to match-winner Viktor Gyokeres, the result was forged in a "heated" team meeting just days earlier.
The Gunners were reeling after a devastating 95th-minute equalizer from Wolves forced them to drop two points, sparking fears of another title race collapse. However, Gyokeres, who netted a brace in the North London Derby victory, revealed that the squad took matters into their own hands to correct the course.
Speaking after the match, the Swedish striker detailed the honest conversations that took place behind closed doors. "I think most of us spoke and I think it is important sometimes just to say what you feel and to let it out in the group," Gyokeres explained. "You get a better understanding of the feeling and I think when you speak in the group openly like that, I think, yeah, you come closer together."
He emphasized that the raw honesty was necessary for improvement. "If you are not honest, I think it is hard to improve. It was a good chat, we certainly enjoyed today."
Midfielder Declan Rice also confirmed the internal discussions, telling The Sun that the squad knew they had fallen below their high standards. "We spoke to each other in a firm way after Wolves, we knew we had let ourselves and the fans down after being in such a good position," Rice stated. "Letting it slip is not the standards that we have set ourselves this season. We had a team meeting and we are ready to go again."
Manager Mikel Arteta was visibly proud of his team's response, praising their mental fortitude over the 72 hours following the Wolves disappointment. "After what happened against Wolves and the manner in which we lost two points in the last kick of the game, it was tough," Arteta said. "And then you have to lift yourself up because you are feeling angry, upset, ashamed at some point. This one is gone, how do we use it to be a turning point and to make ourselves better, and that was the focus."
With the derby victory secured, Arsenal now face another London clash next weekend against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, aiming to solidify their position at the summit against their nearest neighbors.
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