William Saliba missed Arsenal's post-match celebrations because of a fans scarf following North London Derby win(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
It is difficult to express just how big a victory for Arsenal that is. Any North London Derby has stakes; it creates a feeling inside in the lead-up that becomes all-consuming.
The fear of being on the receiving end of the wrong result can almost be worse than the elation when you win. Yet for Arsenal, this was a massive moment in their season and by far the biggest win of the campaign.
It was evident from how Mikel Arteta spoke after the game just how much the pain from the draw with Wolves had impacted his psyche, even his coaching colleagues, too. He spoke of himself and those around him, just like the players, needing ‘love’ and ‘support’.
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“I am very, very proud and very happy,” he said. “Not [just] for today, but what happened in the last three days because we said, ‘OK, let's love the players when they need it the most.’
“But as well, sometimes the coaches and the staff, we need some love as well. We need some people around them with positivity, drive and that they stand up next to you when we need them, and it's been really, really good to work with them in the last few days.”
Anyone keeping a close eye on the Spaniard at full-time would have seen the Arsenal manager breaking out of his hard exterior to enjoy some emotional fist pumps with supporters. Any Arsenal fan would have been jealous of the limbs in the away end, wishing they could for a moment join their peers in joyful exultation.
William Saliba could be seen doing keepy-uppies with an Arsenal scarf that had been thrown onto the field in the celebrations, hilariously causing him to miss the big cheer at the end, which then sent him running over, late, to join in.
You could tell how badly that was needed. My comment section and social media replies, which, granted, is never the best measure of the true sense of a fan base, have been filled with doomsayers and individuals who have supposedly given up.
I get it. The draw with Wolves felt like a defeat, one which could yet still have damning ramifications for the remainder of the Gunners’ title hopes.
Yet, with ten games remaining, and Manchester City having one additional game to play, the gap remains five points. The destiny of this title race is in Arsenal’s hands.
I remember 2021/22, when a trip to Spurs’ ground spelt an end to Arsenal’s hopes of UEFA Champions League qualification.
You can keep your world-class players, your luck or misfortune with injuries and bizarre officiating decisions, what wins titles is mentality above all else. No doubt some cracks have appeared in recent weeks, before this game it was two wins in the league from seven.
Now it is three wins in five, which is much better viewing. However, this game might not only kick this Arsenal team on to a strong finish but for the two goalscorers, Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze, this could be the start of their seasons.
It has come late, but if both can find their feet and go on a run of form, both these two mega-money summer signings could be the difference in holding Manchester City at arm’s length, maybe further if results fall their way.
Look, I have had my doubts, my criticisms, my frustrations on both. But I will say it, well, write it, until I am red in the face.
I only ever want players who are on the receiving end of criticism or concern to prove me wrong. Eze proved me very wrong yesterday and Gyokeres has now added his fifteenth goal of the season to his tally.
On for 20-plus, this could end up being a very impressive first campaign despite all the odds. But now is the time to kick on, now is the time not to release the pressure and to keep the grip on this title lead.
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Tom Canton joined football.london as the Arsenal Fan Brand Writer and Presenter before becoming a permanent Arsenal Reporter in 2025. Tom produces plenty of analytical content in addition to breaking stories and is a regular attendee at matches and press conferences. Can also be found on YouTube @TheGoonerTalkTV
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