Mikel Arteta reacts to David Raya error after 'praying' for Arsenal to hold on in nervy derby victory over Tottenham

Arsenal had a three-goal lead in the derby match against Spurs but goalkeeper Raya gave the home team a way back into it when his weak pass went straight to Cristian Romero, who lashed into the bottom corner. Son Heung-min then converted a penalty to make it 3-2, ensuring a nervy ending for Arteta and the Gunners.

Asked about his thoughts on Raya's mistake, Arteta said: "I don’t like the principles that we apply in that moment and the orientation of the ball. I was praying [we would hold on]. It was a really emotional game. A great team to play against. 3-0 up you’re in control and then an individual error happens that clicks something. We started to deal with the situation better, but they have the players to put a lot of courage forward."

He added to BBC Match of the Day: "We gave it away and made a huge mistake, but the reaction from my players [was good]. David Raya stood up and took six-to-seven crosses and that is what we want and if you are going to take risks you have that reaction - I am really proud of them [players].

“[Playing out from the back] is worth it depending on the game context. That error is not bad luck it is execution and the moment before that the picture was not what we wanted it."

The win keeps Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table in the race for the top-flight title. After seeing his team throw away a lead last season, Arteta believes his team are in a better place to win it this time around.

He added: "When you win it’s always the case. Last season we didn’t against West Ham, we didn’t score a penalty and we conceded in the 91st minute and we didn’t have it because we didn’t win. The margins are so small. Don’t get carried away with yourself."

Arsenal will hope to make it four straight victories in the league when they take on Bournemouth on May 4. They will then visit Manchester United at Old Trafford on May 12 before finishing the season with a home game against Everton.