Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta sets ruthless challenge for players after huge Sheffield United win - 'We have to'

Arsenal are now just two points off leaders Liverpool and one behind Manchester City ahead of the two rivals' match at Anfield on Sunday.

Arteta's side can go top of the table for just under 24 hours at least if they beat Brentford at the Emirates on Saturday evening.

Arsenal became the first team in English Football League history to win three away matches in a row by five or more goals at Bramall Lane.

And Arteta says they must keep up the ruthlessness in front of goal, starting against Brentford.

He told Sky Sports: "We have to continue to do what we are doing. I was really happy with the players that played, really happy to get some players back after a long time.

"And then maintain the momentum, now it's Brentford. We enjoy that today and tomorrow it's Brentford and Brentford and Brentford. Keep going.

"[The goal difference] is going to be crucial if we win the remaining games.

"In order to do that we have to beat Brentford now and that's the most important thing.

"I know how tough it will be against Brentford, it always is.

"We will try to prepare the game in the best possible way and again, performing the way we are doing and earn the right to win the game."

Arsenal started like a train in Yorkshire and were ahead in just the fifth minute through Martin Odegaard.

He swept home from close range before Bukayo Saka's cross was turned into his own net by Jayden Bogle.

Arsenal were three to the good inside 15 minutes when Gabriel Martinelli's deflected strike beat Ivo Grbic in the Blades' goal.

Some of the home fans then started to leave before manager Chris Wilder brutally made a sub, taking off Oliver Norwood in the 17th minute.

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It didn't get any better for the hosts, as Kai Havertz scored his third goal in as many matches.

Declan Rice made it 5-0 six minutes before half-time, his fifth league goal of the season.

Arteta rang the changes in the second half and Arsenal took their foot off the gas.

But Ben White was still able to get in on the act, with a powerful left-footed strike to make it 6-0.

Arteta was able to give a whole half to Fabio Vieira, who hadn't played since November, while Thomas Partey played his first minutes since October.

Asked what message the victory sends to the title rivals, Arteta said: "Nothing. We have to do our business and win our games. That's the only thing we can do."

Meanwhile, Wilder was hugely critical of his team's performance in the second half.

He told the BBC:" I think we, not gifted goals away, but could have done better in certain situations. Arsenal were outstanding. We didn't track runners and made it pretty easy for them to open us up.

"They cut us wide open, they are doing that to a lot of teams, I'm not saying that makes us feel better because that is another long night for this club."