Mikel Arteta told Ivan Toney has key traits Arsenal need amid FFP transfer frustrations

Arsenal have thrust themselves back firmly into the title race after they came away with a huge victory over Liverpool. A defeat would have seen them fall as many as eight points behind the league leaders but instead, they have closed the gap to just two points.

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith knows all about chasing down the Reds after his heroics in 1989 to set up Michael Thomas for the second goal at Anfield for the Gunners to crowd them league winners in the most dramatic of finishes. football.london caught up with Smith to talk about the fallout to win,Mikel Arteta’s future, the striker situation and financial fair play.

The win over Liverpool was the Gunners’ sixth match of the league season against other 'Big Six' sides in which they have remained unbeaten with three wins and three draws. We asked Smith whether this transformation of Arsenal’s record against their league rivals was one of his biggest successes since being appointed.

«I think so,» Smith said. «I mean, it was only a couple of years ago where they didn't produce against the top sides.

»They didn't reach those standards, those levels. So to beat Manchester City and Liverpool, particularly, important results.

«I think if you can go to the Etihad now and if you can go to Anfield and win that, that is the final step, isn't it? They were 2-0 up at Anfield last season and couldn't hold on.

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»They're certainly getting there. Maybe in years gone by, there was an inferiority complex, they didn't quite believe. But I think certainly now the lads do believe, and that comes through