Arsenal have two reasons to celebrate but Spurs and Man United can burst bubble

Whilst manager Mikel Arteta will be thrilled to see the progress his side has made this season, he will be well aware there is a long way to go, especially knowing that Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are not far behind.

With all the off-field issues that have gone on at the club this week, Arteta would have been worried about the distraction it could have caused with a game against West Ham to play.

However, goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe provided a welcome three points and an ever improving record at The Emirates.

From the nine home matches played so far, Arsenal have won seven of their ties, losing one and drawing one against Chelsea and Crystal Palace respectively.

There were 27 points available and Arteta has seen his side amass an impressive 22 from those games, which is the joint best record in the league alongside Man City.

Against West Ham, Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy have shown exactly why they spent all their money in the summer transfer window on youth.

Whilst there have been inconsistencies this season, being fourth after 17 league games is something the Gunners boss will be proud of and will hope he can guide his side back into the Champions League for the first time since 2017.

Having said that, things are still technically out of their hands with fierce rivals Tottenham still in contention for a top four place as well as Manchester United with the games in hand they both have.

The former have barely played in the league over the last few weeks with their game against Burnley being called off due to snow and then a COVID-19 outbreak causing Spurs to postpone their match against Brighton on 12 December.

The club were due to be back in action against Leicester City but had their game cancelled as well with the Foxes missing nine first-team players.

Whilst winning all three games is easier said than done, it would be a brilliant opportunity for the club and would put them within five points of Conte's former club, Chelsea.

Man United, meanwhile, are showing signs of getting their season back on track after sacking manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Former RB Leipzig boss Ralf Ragnick was brought in on an interim basis and has overseen his side secure back-to-back 1-0 wins in the league against Crystal Palace and Norwich City respectively.

Like Spurs, The Red Devils had their match against Brentford postponed due to a COVID outbreak.

It all points to a thrilling battle at the top of the table this season.