Joel Campbell hailed “a big step” towards the Premier League title after Arsenal defeated Manchester City 2-1 on Monday.
The victory closed the gap on surprise leaders Leicester City to just two points and further reinforced Arsene Wenger’s aspirations for a fourth title during his time at Arsenal.
Campbell has emerged as a key member of the squad amidst a series of damaging injuries in midfield and attack and has seemingly usurped Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the battle for a starting role after a series of impressive displays in attack and defence.
The winger was among the best performers in Monday’s win and said the result could help springboard Arsenal towards the title.
“It was a great game, we got a good result and now we have to look forward, there is still a lot of work to do,” he said.
“This is a big step. We are in the fight for the Premier League title. We hope to continue this winning streak.
“We are closer to the leaders, who are currently Leicester, and we must respect them. They are a great team who have proved a lot this season. We go step-by-step.”
Player Ratings: Arsenal vs Manchester City
Defeating Manchester City was the ideal start to what could be a testing festive period for Wenger’s side, taking in a trip to Southampton, where they lost 2-0 in early January, and home games to in-form Bournemouth and Newcastle.
But Campbell is confident that Arsenal can continue their 100 per cent winning run during December, although he warned that “the Christmas period is going to be very competitive.”
“There are four games in 10 days and after winning the first we hope to do the same in the coming three.”
A regression by Alexis Sanchez in his recovery from a hamstring injury means Campbell is likely to get further game time, with the Chilean forward facing a race to be fit for mid-January’s run of games against Liverpool, Stoke and Chelsea.
