Arsenal ready for Man City’s title challenge, says Arteta

Mikel Arteta insisted Arsenal are ready to embrace the pressure of the Premier League title race after reclaiming top spot with a 2-1 win over Brighton.

The Gunners responded immediately after Manchester City's late victory earlier in the day.

"We can only control what we do," Arteta said, stressing that his side are focused inward rather than reacting to City's results.

He admitted Arsenal still have room to improve despite the crucial win.

"We are doing a lot of good things, but I think we have to improve as well to have the margins better," he said.

With fixtures coming thick and fast, Arteta underlined the importance of squad depth and freshness as the title run-in intensifies.

"We need more players back as well to have better options and maintain the team very, very fresh," he said.

"Every three days is going to be a challenge, and we are up for it."

Arteta also addressed the nervy ending after Brighton pulled a goal back late in the match.

"That's a willingness to win," he said. "We all want to win so badly."

He admitted his side had chances to avoid unnecessary tension.

"Now I don't want to lose what I have and we have to play to continue to score and show that composure and that ability," he added.

Arsenal failed to find a third goal, forcing them to defend deep in the closing minutes.

"We haven't scored the third, so we have to suffer a little bit more," Arteta said.