Mikel Arteta watched Arsenal pass a major “test of attitude” to drive their Premier League title hopes with a 2-1 derby victory over Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium.

The Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice claimed his team were “unlucky we didn’t score 10”, which was a dramatic overstatement. But there was no doubting Arsenal’s supremacy against a Spurs side who have taken five points from an ­available 27. Ange Postecoglou would be extremely critical of his team.

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Arsenal closed to within four points of the leaders, Liverpool, having played one game more and it was an answer to the defeats they suffered in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle and the FA Cup against Manchester United – ties that Arteta felt should have ended differently.

“We were sensational tonight,” Arteta said. “After two big performances without reward in two different competitions, you have to play the biggest game of the season for our people – in those conditions. It’s a test of attitude, what we are made of, the courage that we have. We played from minute one to win … without the ball to hurt them. I’m really proud to see a team that behaves the way they have.”

Arteta said Arsenal were in the title race “because it’s so much to play for and we can see how difficult it is for every team to win”, although he did not talk up their chances. “The result gives us the chance to enjoy the moment, instead of momentum because the momentum starts tomorrow to prepare for Aston Villa in three days,” he said.

Postecoglou did not hold back when assessing his team. “Not good enough, especially the first half,” he said. “Way too passive. We allowed Arsenal to take control of the game. It’s not who we are, it’s not the way I set the team up. It’s not the way we want to play – to sit in there and allow Arsenal to play to their tempo. It just wasn’t good enough.

“The reality is that our results and our form in the league has been nowhere near good enough. That needs to change. This can’t be accepted by anyone at the club.”