MATURE MINDSET BUOYS ARTETA

Gunners' ability to win tough fixtures this season bodes well for their title challenge

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hailed his side’s maturity, saying that the 1-0 win over Fulham on Oct 18 was an encouraging sign for the English Premier League leaders as they ended their recent struggles at Craven Cottage.

Leandro Trossard’s close-range finish following a corner in the 58th minute secured Arsenal's fifth successive victory in all competitions.

The Gunners are three points clear of second-placed Manchester City in the title race, with champions Liverpool four points behind prior to their clash with Manchester United on Oct 19.

Arteta’s men took just one point in their away fixtures at Newcastle United and Fulham and at home to West Ham United last season.

This term, they have already recorded nine points from nine in those matches and their victory at Craven Cottage was a first in three visits to the west London club.

Arteta believes that those wins are a significant statement of intent as Arsenal — runners-up for the last three seasons — look to win the title for the first time since 2004.

“The recent history wasn’t in our favour and we wanted to change that, like we did against Newcastle and West Ham at home,” the Spaniard said.