Arsenal hat-trick hero Eddie Nketiah sent a message to the club's title rivals this weekend.

The English attacker, who netted his first triple in the Premier League, fired his team close to the top of the table.

While the Gunners still trail Spurs by two points, Nketiah was assured about his team's staying power.

“It's a draining league," warned Nketiah post-game.

“But we aim to be up there again. We want to be up there, to keep pushing."

And on his England future, he added: “That is not my persona at all. I just focus on being the best player I can and improving day in, day out.

“I know how good I can be when I am on it, when I am working hard and my team-mates trust me and believe in me. That's the most important thing for me - the rest is just noise. Sometimes you get the credit, sometimes you don't. You just have to be consistent and keep pushing every day.

“I try to be in there and earn the manager's faith so when I come in he can trust me. It is just about good habits, improving every day, pushing yourself, in front of goal, back to goal, movements, pressing, and giving everything for the team.

“The more I am playing, the more I am learning - when things go wrong or go right - and making sure the next time I correct any mistakes. It is good to be playing regularly and I am improving with more game time.

“Whatever role I am given, whether it is five minutes, two minutes, 10 minutes, I just want to help the team and my main focus is to contribute and try to get the win.

“I'm a childhood supporter of the club, so to score a hat-trick in front of the fans, my friends, my family and my team-mates is an amazing feeling. It's a day I'll remember forever."