01 January 2023 , 00:00
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Mikel Arteta has played down Arsenal's Premier League title hopes after their 4-2 win against Brighton on New Year's Eve.
The Gunners were victorious at the Amex thanks to goals from Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli. Kaoru Mitoma and Evan Ferguson replied for Roberto De Zerbi's side, but Arsenal were always in control of the game.
The result leaves Mikel Arteta's team seven points clear of champions Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table. Despite this, the Spaniard insists there is room for improvement - something his players recognised in the dressing room at full-time.
"It’s still a long run to go," Arteta told reporters.
"My excitement comes from going into the dressing room when the players are talking about what they should have done better today. That means that they know that we can still player better and be better and against Newcastle we have to be better.
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"We knew the result [of Man City's game against Everton on New Year's Eve] but the boost is we have to come here and win and to do that we have to perform at the highest level in the league. It means nothing because our only focus is again is to improve."
Arsenal were given the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table thanks to Man City's 1-1 draw with the Toffees. Pep Guardiola's side took the lead through Erling Haaland's 27th goal of the season before Demarai Gray's stunning strike salvaged a point.
Arsenal players believe they can improve - despite sitting seven points clear at the top of the table (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Do you think Arsenal will win the Premier League title? Let us know in the comments below!
Arteta is right to be cautious about Arsenal's title charge. The Gunners still have 22 Premier League fixtures to fulfil and will play Newcastle, Tottenham and Manchester United before the end of January. They must also face Man City twice before May.
Arsenal fans will have one eye on their Premier League game against Man City on April 26. If they are still top of the table after that - with only five fixtures remaining - they will fancy their chances of a first title in 19 years. Right now, the honour is a long way away.
Although Arteta isn't getting carried away, he was delighted to beat Brighton. The Seagulls are enjoying a superb campaign under De Zerbi - sitting eighth in the table - although they were without World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister for Saturday's game.
Mikel Arteta knows his side are in a great position heading into 2023 (GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)Arteta added: "It's a big win, I'm really happy! It's a really tough place to come, they're a really good side.
"They are extremely well-coached and they made it tough for us and we made it tough for them as well. I think we were excellent in attacking phases, especially when we had the space and the way they defend they were very open, and we made the most out of it.
"Then we had moments we discussed before where we were going to suffer and defend deeper. There were moments where we should've done better and put ourselves in trouble but that's the learning part and every game is a huge test."