Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal are ‘STILL in the title race’ and says victory over north London rivals Tottenham was a ‘gift’ to fans – as Gunners close the gap on Liverpool to four points

Arsenal kept their title dream alive on Wednesday night with a nervy North London Derby win over arch-rivals Tottenham.

Leandro Trossard’s second-half goal courtesy of some weak goalkeeping from Antonin Kinsky provided the Gunners with a crucial victory as Mikel Arteta’s team reduced Liverpool’s lead at summit to four points.

Arsenal came from behind after Heung-min Son’s deflected effort gave Spurs the lead before Dominic Solanke’s own goal saw the home side pull level ahead and Arteta.

‘We are still in the title race, there’s so much to play for but we can see how difficult it is for every team to win,’ said Arteta.

‘When you have opportunities [to close the gap] you have to take them.

‘This is a result to enjoy a moment and now we prepare for the next game. I’m very proud of the team, I thought we were sensational.

Mikel Arteta hailed his ‘sensational’ Arsenal side as they came from behind to beat Tottenham

Leandro Trossard latches on to Martin Odegaard’s pass to fire in Arsenal’s winning goal

The Belgian’s fifth goal of the season in all competitions keeps the Gunners in the title race 

‘It was a big test and we were not being rewarded in last two games in two different competitions. This was a test of our attitude and our courage.

‘From the first minute we were really at it, really intense. We played with a real purpose to hurt them. We created an unbelievable atmosphere.

‘We know how important the game is. It’s a gift we can make the supporters very happy.

‘The attitude we played with, not feeling sorry for ourselves, was phenomenal. We played 120 minutes three days ago but its how you respond to that situation.

‘We had some big chances and big situations. At the end we had to suffer more than we wanted.’

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, who insisted the corner that led to Arsenal’s equaliser was wrongly awarded, pulled no punches with the assessment of his team’s performance, saying: ‘Nowhere near good enough, especially in the first half. We were too passive. We let Arsenal dictate the game.

‘Second half was a little better not nowhere near good enough. Not acceptable.

‘Ultimately the responsibility lies with me and how I prepare the players. I’m more interested in how we play and we were not anywhere near the levels today.