Arteta insists 'momentum' is with Arsenal in PL title race after 5 straight wins

Mikel Arteta believes momentum is on Arsenal’s side in this season’s title race as they took their goal tally to 21 in five matches.

Arteta was purring after his side followed up last weekend’s 6-0 win at West Ham by putting five past Burnley without reply. Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka (2), Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz were the scorers.

‘The connection between the players is flowing,’ said Arteta, whose side remain two points behind leaders Liverpool.

‘I’m really happy with the performance. The contribution of every single player was good. We have momentum now and we have to maintain it.

‘Confidence-wise, it is a good moment. We are showing a high efficiency in front of goal.’

Bukayo Saka’s double, the first from the penalty spot, means he’s scored six times in his last four games – the first time in his career he’s netted in four consecutive matches.

At 22, Arteta says the England star is showing maturity beyond his years and was impressed he struck his second with his weaker right foot.

‘We tried to get our players to be unpredictable because opponents watch us a lot and we have to find ways,’ he said.

‘Bukayo has the ability and practises a lot being in and around the box. Today he had two very good finishes.

‘You don’t really see that maturity at his age especially with forward players and wingers. It is something really strange to find but it’s a quality he has.’

Odegaard celebrated his goal by cupping his hand to his ear as a response to criticism to Jamie Carragher and others for taking pictures on the pitch after Arsenal recently beat Liverpool.

‘I didn’t notice the gesture but he was really happy in the dressing-room afterwards and the way he played the game was exceptional.

‘He doesn’t need to send a message to anyone. If he wants to do something he needs to do it and deal with the consequences. Some people will like it (the reaction to beating Liverpool) and some people won’t, but we really like it.'