MIKEL Arteta believes Arsenal are "back to their best" ahead of their trip to Newcastle on Sunday - and has refused to rule his side out of the title race.

The Gunners were eight points clear last month but had fallen behind Manchester City following a run of four winless game – a streak that ended with a comfortable 3-1 win over beleaguered Chelsea on Tuesday night.

City can move back to the summit with victory over West Ham United tonight, but Arteta insists his side are determined to do everything in their power to keep their title hopes alive for as long as possible.

Captain Martin Odegaard scored twice for Arsenal against Chelsea with Gabriel Jesus also on target before half-time. Noni Madueke’s first league goal proved a mere consolation for Frank Lampard’s struggling visitors.

Arteta said the victory proved his players haven't given up hope of winning the title.

"For sure, and we discussed that. There are four games to go," he said.

"Now what we can control is that if we win our matches and to do that we must perform as well as possible.

“The team is back to its best. We wanted to prove we had that fire in the belly. I could see that in the last few days, and we prepared (for) the game well.

“We cannot do that (let heads drop), to be where we are after 10 months against the team we are fighting against, being there and having the possibility to be top – we have to enjoy it and embrace it, maximise the opportunity that we have because we don’t know what is going to happen.

“We’ve had a couple of difficult weeks with very different games, with a lot of emotions involved. Let's see what happens."

After Tuesday's much-needed win, Arteta said his side now have renewed energy for their trip to Tyneside to face a Newcastle side closing on securing Champions League football for next season.

He said: "We have to prepare for Newcastle and let's see what happens.

"We needed a reset. Playing the way we play, being the team that we are, and win the game. That obviously gives you confidence, comfort and better energy for when we start preparing for Newcastle."

Arteta hailed his captain Odegaard and the example set by the Norway international.

“He has 14 goals this season, his contribution to the team, his leadership skills, I’m really pleased with him,” he added.

“He has been exceptional for us, his contribution every single day. What Martin has done this season deserves a lot of credit.”