Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal are a different beast almost a year on from the disappointment of losing the Premier League title race to Manchester City.
The Gunners boss was speaking after his side convincingly beat Brighton 3-0 away from home on Saturday evening, moving them to the top of the table.
Bukayo Saka put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot in the first half before Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard sealed all three points with goals after the break.
Arteta told Sky Sports after the full-time whistle that he was “really happy” with the team’s performance. “They [Brighton] are a really good team, really well coached. They make life really difficult for you. But today, we were outstanding.
“We showed quality and with the ball we are really connected. We have purpose and clarity. Against a shape that was slightly different than what we expected. Without the ball we are so disciplined. We were really humble.
“They did something similar in Liverpool away, which they never do. We knew it could happen.”
Unlike last season when their title challenge crumbled during the run-in, Arsenal seem undaunted by the challenge before them this term.
The north London outfit are unbeaten in their last 11 league games since their last defeat, a 2-1 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage at the end of December. They have won all of those matches except for a goalless draw with Man City.
Arteta explained that experience has stood to them and, along with some of the signings they made last summer, made them into a better team.
“We are older and you can tell especially on me,” he said. “We went through a lot of moments together and the chemistry you build within the team. We signed some tremendous players – which helps because it is about them.
“And then it is a good moment because the squad is healthy. The momentum and the energy around the place is good. We’ve been through it already and that helps.”
