Mikel Arteta insisted it was far too soon for any suggestions that Arsenal could be involved in the Premier League title race this season.
Arsenal sit top of the table after four matches, winning all of them, and they are the only side in England’s top four divisons to still have a perfect record.
With Liverpool having a slow start to the season and Manchester City also showing some signs of vulnerability, there has been some talk, however premature it might be, that Arsenal could push for loftier targets than just a top-four finish.
However, Arteta was in no mood to get carried away after his side came from behind to win against Fulham.
“No, it’s the start of the season,” Arteta responded when asked if his side were in a title race.
“This is a long marathon. Be humble, and hungry.”
It looked like being a frustrating afternoon for the Gunners, particularly after Aleksandar Mitrovic capitalised on a dreadful mistake from Gabriel to put the visitors in front.
But Martin Odegaard’s deflected strike got Arsenal level and with five minutes remaining, Gabriel ensured all was forgiven as he bundled home from close range when the ball fell in the six-yard box from a corner.
“Big boost, winning like this is really nice,” Arteta said.
“We made a mistake and they punished us but then how we reacted against adversity, the connection with the supporters, the way we went about it, the team believed.
“They wanted to win the match, they went for it and we managed to do it.”
