Gyokeres Happy with Arsenal's Response, Confident for London Derby Against Chelsea

JAKARTA - Viktor Gyokeres believes the North London Derby victory between Arsenal against Tottenham Hotspur is the perfect response to silence critics.

Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze both scored twice to secure a 4-1 win over Spurs just four days after the Gunners were stunned to a 2-2 draw at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Losing the full points at Molineux raises questions about Arsenal's mentality in the title race. However, the performance against Tottenham - which put them five points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the English League table - has somewhat silenced the doubters.

Gyokeres, who has increased his league goals to 10 this season, said the result was the right response to show a resurgence.

Not only that, the victory also confirmed how Arsenal had regained confidence in facing another London Derby, facing Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

"It's always difficult when you get a result like we did at Wolves. However, the important thing is how you deal with it and how you respond to it. We showed it in a good way."

"To get this result and performance, it was the perfect way to respond. So, it's a good sign. The important thing is that we have to continue to show it in the next game and the next game."

"There are still many matches to play. If we play like this, it will definitely be good," said Gyokeres.

Arsenal's success to bounce back is inseparable from the approach taken by Mikel Arteta. He held a meeting after they lost the two-goal lead against Wolves who were at the bottom of the table.

Declan Rice revealed the meeting that the players spoke to each other in a firm way.

"Sometimes it's important to say what you feel and vent it in the group. Most of us talk."

"Everyone can recognize how different people feel at that moment. You get a better understanding of those feelings."

"When you speak openly in a group like that, you get closer and it's very important to do that sometimes."

"If you are not honest, I think it is difficult to develop. It was a good chat, we certainly enjoyed it. Now we will prepare for the big game against Chelsea at the weekend," Gyokeres said reflecting on the meeting.

After avoiding the Champions League play-off round, Arsenal will not have a midweek game for the first time in more than two months.

Arsenal's rivals in the title race, Manchester City, will also only return to action this weekend - when they face Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday, March 1, 2026, early in the morning WIB.

Pep Guardiola said he would allow his players to enjoy some cocktails in the lead-up to the away game.

However, responding to Guardiola's plans, Arteta said with a smile: "Cocktail? I don't drink cocktails. So, no, we'll do it our own way."