Nervy Arsenal hang on as Mikel Arteta admits: 'I was praying at the end'

The Gunners were 3-0 up at the break, though unconvincing throughout, as errors from Raya and Rice make it an edgy finish in north London

OWN GOAL: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg gives Arsenal the lead, inadvertently, in the north London derby.

ARSENAL might not end up Premier League champions but only a weirdo would call Mikel Arteta's men bottlers if Manchester City do pip them to the title. 

Recent setbacks of a home defeat by Aston Villa and their Champions League exit in Munich prompted critics to start talking about choking and a lack of nerve which prompted their downfall last season. A late-night win at Wolves and two memorable London derby victories over Chelsea and their closest rivals Tottenham in a nine-point week since Munich have shown this edition of the Arsenal is mentally strong. Tottenham, meanwhile, came into the match with a Champions League top four place in their own hands, but only when they were losing did they look like living up to their billing.