Kai Havertz says Arsenal are only concerned about their own form as they chase down a first Premier League title in 20 years.
The German playmaker was on target as the Gunners beat Brighton away on Saturday evening, taking them top of the table above Liverpool and Manchester City.
Bukayo Saka opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute after Gabriel Jesus was felled by Tariq Lamptey in the box.
That was followed up by Havertz‘ ninth Premier League goal of the campaign before the former Chelsea player set Leandro Trossard free for the side’s third of the night.
Asked if Arsenal took motivation from Man City’s win over Crystal Palace earlier in the day, Havertz told Sky Sports: “To be honest we didn’t speak about it.
We tried to focus on ourselves and win the game, that is more important than looking at the other games right now. We must win our matches and see where that brings us.
“We are ready for the challenge and we are up for it. Every week we play at the limit and maybe we can play better.
“The attitude and work-rate of the boys is phenomenal and everyone put everything into that game – that is why we are successful right now.”
It was the 14th clean sheet Arsenal have kept this season, the most in the Premier League by a distance, while they have also conceded the fewest goals (24).
“The boys at the back, what they are doing is outstanding and everyone is involved in that,” said Havertz. “We try to get the ball high up the pitch, but how they defend the box is incredible.
“We have to keep on going, we have another big game in the midweek.”
That defensive bedrock is giving Arsenal the platform to go and win games consistently. “Definitely, when you feel that you are so strong at the back it helps you a lot.
“I am enjoying myself and I will try to help the team, I hope to keep on going forward.”
Havertz added that he is enjoying proving the doubters wrong “a lot”. “It’s part of the game, there are always people who don’t like you. I accepted it, you cannot make everyone happy.”
Liverpool can retake first place in the Premier League table with a win over Manchester United on Sunday.
