Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta darted out of screenshot during his post-match interview with Sky Sports on Sunday, a week after refusing to answer a question from the same broadcaster about his side’s Premier League title hopes. The Gunners reduced Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table to 12 points after defeating Chelsea 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal dominated against the Blues as they caused the Chelsea backline all sorts of problems and heaped pressure on Robert Sanchez’s goal. And the home side notched the only goal of the game midway through the first half as makeshift striker Mikel Merino headed in Martin Odegaard’s corner.

Arteta was quizzed about Arsenal’s performance as he spoke to Sky Sports after the final whistle. But when attention turned to the fitness of winger Bukayo Saka, the Spaniard decided to play a prank.

After being told he had talked positively about Saka’s potential return after the international break, Arteta briefly dashed away from the interview in a bid to escape the question.

But he quickly returned before explaining: “Yeah’s he’s got every chance [of returning]." Arteta then burst into laughter as the interview came to an end.

Arteta cut a frustrated figure a week ago after Arsenal had been held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester United at Old Trafford.

That result all but ended the Gunners’ faint hopes of lifting their first Premier League trophy since 2004 as Liverpool finished the day 15 points clear of the north London giants at the top of the table.

He appeared agitated during the course of the interview as his side’s shortcomings were analysed. And after being asked if he would answer a final question about the title race, he exclaimed: “No.” He then quickly departed the interview.

Saka has been out of action since just before Christmas after being forced off with a hamstring problem during his side’s league clash with Crystal Palace. And Arteta will be desperate for him to return to full fitness as soon as possible.

Arsenal are still in contention to win this season’s Champions League, having thrashed PSV 9-3 on aggregate in the last-16 of the competition. The Gunners will also want to cement a top four finish in the Premier League as soon as they can, with Nottingham Forest hot on their heels and Chelsea and Manchester City vying for fourth.

Arteta will attempt to make the most of the international break as he plans for the season run-in. His side will then be back in action on the first day of April when they host Fulham in the Premier League.