Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes his side are in a better place than they were 12 months ago after a closely-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham moved the Gunners three points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Manchester City had briefly leapfrogged them at the summit courtesy of a 2-0 win over Everton earlier in the day.
However, Leandro Trossard returned his side to the top when he scored the only goal of the game shortly before the hour mark at Craven Cottage: a ground where in December 2024 Arteta’s team were held to a 1-1 draw.
A year ago, the Gunners began a four-match winless run in the league but they are currently eight matches without defeat in all competitions.
And Arteta believes his players are in much stronger place than they were 12 months ago.
“Today we managed better than we did a year ago,” Arteta told Sky Sports.
“But we need to continue. It’s very early [in the season].
“Three weeks ago we went to Newcastle. We lose in Newcastle and the Premier League is over.
“So that’s the narrative, that’s the demand in this league so try your best and win as many football matches as you can. There’s no secret to that.”
Arteta and co. will be hoping to continue their fine start to the campaign when they host Atletico Madrid on matchday three of the Champions League on Tuesday, before the visit of Crystal Palace to the Emirates on Sunday.
