The Gunners were eight points clear last month but had fallen behind Manchester City following a run of four winless games, a streak that ended with a comfortable 3-1 win over the Blues.
Captain Martin Odegaard scored twice before Gabriel Jesus wrapped up the win before half-time as Noni Madueke’s first league goal proved a mere consolation for Frank Lampard’s visitors.
“It is four games to go, we are at the top right now,” he said.
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 wanted to have a very different approach to the game, and we did it right from the beginning.
“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.
“Mentally we arrived in the right mood and with the right level of energy. Everything went for us as well, which is important.
“We’ve had a couple of difficult weeks with very different games, with a lot of emotions involved. We’re back to the top of the league – let’s see what happens.”
Arteta was full of praise for 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. I think he has done that (set the tone) on many occasions. What Martin has done this season deserves a lot of credit.”
Chelsea have now lost all six games under interim head coach Frank Lampard, who believes his players are “too nice” as they remain in the bottom half of the table.
