Mikel Arteta has said Arsenal "passed a test of attitude" after overcoming a difficult week to beat north London rivals Tottenham 2-1 at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

Prior to pushing Arsenal to pursue Zubimendi, Arteta encouraged the club to enquire about the availability of his Real Sociedad teammate Mikel Merino, who he saw as the perfect fit for the left-eight position.

Arsenal's Mikel Arteta hailed his side's 2-1 comeback win against north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday as proof his side remains firmly in the Premier League title race, although he rued their failure to kill the game off despite ample opportunity.