Bukayo Saka insists Arsenal could not care less about the critics trying to diminish their Premier League title bid - because they keep winning.

The England international, who struck a first-half winner at Brighton on Wednesday night to move the Gunners seven points clear of Manchester City at the summit, has stressed that Mikel Arteta's dressing room does not give outside scrutiny the time of day.

Saka said: "We don’t listen to that stuff. I don’t see it, I don’t read it. It is not beneficial in any way. We just want to continue going our way, winning.

"People will say whatever they want to see, whether we play the most beautiful football or if we score from a set-piece, they will still talk. For us, we just want to win games and we are now getting closer to the end of the season."

Arsenal will carve out a notable 10-point cushion over City if they take care of business and beat Everton at the Emirates Stadium next Saturday.

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While the clash is their only Premier League fixture for five-and-a-half weeks, the hungry league leaders firmly feel the finish line is now within their crosshairs.

Saka continued after marking his 300th Gunners appearance with a priceless goal: "We are definitely building momentum.

"We have won three massive games now [since dropping points at Brentford and Wolves ]. We have some massive games coming up before the next international break and we are excited and feeling confident."

The 24-year-old marksman cracked a smile as he recalled the moment news of City's shock draw with Nottingham Forest filtered through to the Amex.

He admits the surprise result at the Etihad felt like an extra step closer to glory, explaining: "As we went to clap the fans they burst out into another roar and I could tell something had gone on in the other games and then Mikel came and told me that City had drawn 2-2.

"It gives us a great feeling. We fought hard as we knew it was a massive game for Arsenal regardless of the other results as we cannot control what they did. We won against Brighton and then we found out we were a step ahead in the race. It is just amazing for us."

Saka has now equalled his top-flight goal tally (six) from last season and while he's keen to build on that total, he is not overly precious about scoring - providing Arsenal keep putting points on the board.

He concluded: "Yeah [wants to score more]. But at the same time, it is about winning.

"As an attacker, you want to contribute more sometimes on the stats sheet but at the same time, you want to win, too. It is a balance. Let’s keep going like this and if we finish in this position, I will be happy."

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