Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on midfielder Thomas Partey following his standout performance in the Gunners' triumph over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

Partey, making his first Premier League start since returning from injury, delivered a Man of the Match display as Arsenal convincingly defeated their London rivals, extending their lead at the top of the table.

The victory sees Arsenal surge four points clear of title contenders Manchester City, a testament to their impressive form in recent matches.

"I don’t know, but then we would have won every game because look at the run we are in, the amount of points we have already and we have missed Thomas, that’s true, since August and he’s a big player for us," commented Arteta after the game, while also acknowledging the contributions of other players.

"But as well, that has given the chance to all the players, to Declan to play as a six, to rediscover Declan as an eight, playing Kai as a nine, the contribution of Jorgi, he has been absolutely phenomenal as well.

"And the team has resources, and it has to find different ways of winning and acting and interchanging the qualities. I’m really happy."

With the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur looming on Sunday, Arteta is expected to include Partey in the starting lineup, counting on his influential presence to maintain Arsenal's momentum in the league.