Mikel Arteta was delighted that his players were able to dig deep at Villa Park, as they twice came from behind to snatch a 4-2 win in stoppage time.
Here’s what the manager had to say when he faced the BT Sport cameras…
On his side not giving up…
Absolutely. We showed a lot of character, resilience to get back twice in the game and then winning it. We have to take some lessons today because especially in the first half, we didn’t do all the simple things right and then we give them the chance to score those two goals in a really simple way. We talked at half time, if we raise the individual standards and start to do what we have to do, we’re going to win this game. And they went out there, which is difficult, and won it.
On going behind early…
We gave the ball away and are completely open it that left channel leaving Watkins one against one, we knew that that was a big concern because he has his quality to do that. And they took their chances. They had two shots and scored two goals [in the first half], so credit to them for that. In the second half, we overplayed them, we created chance after chance, we dominated absolutely the game and we needed a magic moment and Jorginho produced it.
On whether he’s seen a goal like Jorginho’s before…
Especially not from him. He’s got many, many qualities but that’s probably not his biggest strength. He was so much into the game and really wanted it. Especially after what happened a few days ago [against City], we’re so happy to win the game.
On Zinchenko’s first Premier League goal…
It took him too long. He’s been practising on that and I’m so happy for him. Obviously, he had a difficult action in the first goal when he gave the ball away, but he reacted really well.
On finding more value from a win like today’s…
Well, if you want to be at the top, you have to win games in many, many different ways. You’re going to have to score goals in the 94th minutes, sometimes play with 10 men, and have comeback results. To do it against this team in this stadium, it’s a real credit to the boys.
On the atmosphere in the dressing room…
It was absolutely bouncing. It was a big effort to play less than 72 hours after the game we had. I’m really pleased with the boys.
I like it when we win. World is much brighter
I was 18 when I went into the pub before the game. I’m 58 now, but it was worth it!
40 years in a pub? Lucky to be alive,mate! Respect! Great win. Martinez( the greatest keeper alive) + time wasting+ big head= Karma is a BITCH! Onwards n Upwards Arsenal!
Watched the game on transport, holding my sleepy daughter on my left arm and a phone on the right. Safe to say my little one knew when Arsenal finally scored.
Haha!! I was bouncing all over as well. What a result.
I upset the cat who’d just curled up next to me for a sleep.
It was great to have had such a settled side which was necessitated by injuries and squad size. But, I think a bit of tiredness has crept in AND teams know how we’re likely to play. So, it’s great that our new signings ate fitting in well and we have ESR and, hopefully soon, Jèsus coming back! A great win today!
Yep. Our defending for the two goals was kind of inexplicable after what we saw on the first half of the season. Let’s hope for more effective rotation, like today.
Yes, at the risk of mentioning a slight “downer” in the general celebrations, we’ve conceded five goals in two PL games now – and some pretty poor ones in that mix.
The solid defence of the first half of the season has disappeared, let’s hope only temporarily. I think Arteta will be looking at all the options available.
I don’t think you can overestimate Partey’s importance to our defensive play. He is different from Busquets, Kante, or Fernandinho, but like them he limits the number of times our centre-halves have to face a one v one challenge.
I like this team. They know how to play good football.
I loved the tweet from Gunnerblog. This team aren’t bottlers – they are young and building something. The fact they played such an intense game on Weds eve should elevate this win even more. Saka basically playing most of the second half on one leg too. What a player. And Martinez? K-A-R-M-A!!!!!
Great one week of rest before we go again. Two tough matches against Leicester and Everton then roll by in four days!
If we get 6 points, the title race is back on in full flow.
Any one doubting jougino signing now
Yeah he’s been brilliant for us so far to be fair to him. Not Party, but much much more than Lokonga.
It must be nice for him to be in a team that wins again.
Asking Arteta if he’s ever seen a goal like that? Forgotten about the one he himself scored in his last ever game???
Also another one he scored… with quite interesting commentary…
“Artetaaaa! This could be the end of Manchester City!”
No better sight than Emi knocking one in against himself. THANK YOU JORGHINHO for trying that shot🙏🏼
Emi continues his head games.
Think we’ve likely hit on a formula to breakdown low block teams
Don’t have BT or have a dodgy magic tv stick so went old school and listened on radio while cleaning my car, just when i was trying to put a positive in my mind to a point gained after being behind twice we win with two glorious injury time goals.. from the half arsed job i was doing in the 2nd half car like me me absolutely beaming 😄
You don’t need a dodgy magic stick just a search engine!
Never thought I’d say this but thank you Chris Wood (and Forest).
Forest have just done us a favour too!!
Yes, that’s the icing on the cake. We need to build on the Villa result and get back to (consistent) winning ways now.
We pulled ourselves together just in time, thank goodness. It couldn’t have got any better on the day really – but it could have got worse, so well done to everyone.
Hopefully, this win will get us back on track (and help us win that vital game in hand too).
More fun, from BBC:
Emery ’embarrassed’ by Martinez
While Martinez was unfortunate with his own goal, Villa boss Emery was furious at his keeper for going up for the corner from which Arsenal broke away to add their fourth.
“Today I am very, very disappointed,” said Emery. “I am embarrassed about the last goal. I have never told my keeper to go forward. It’s not the spirit.
“We have to keep our mind clear and be smart. Today he decided it was his decision. He knows now.”
Last minute of injury time, what’s the difference losing 3-2 or 4-2? It’s not as if Villa are seriously pushing at either end of the table? Very conservative from Dick. I’ve seen the goalie go up for corners like this, a lot, and not getting punished. I’ve even seen a few late equalisers as a result. Also, such was the quality of the breakaway that even had Martinez been in his goal, Martinelli should have scored.
I should add, I loved the timing of Vieira’s through ball, just before Martinelli crossed the halfway line. Remember if you’re in the opponents’ half, and the goalie’s stranded up the other end, you can be offside if there is only one defender between you and the goal-line.
Yeah, but I don’t think that’s the point Emery was making. I think his point is that he gets to decide that, not the keeper on his own.
Emery … always whining. Battled at Arsenal. EMI a big headed tosser. Great cushioned header fm Jorgy shot … cd be title winner. Good evening
“a big headed tosser”
I used to like them when they were an indie band. They’re on EMI now?
Never heard of them but music to my ears when Emi sings the blues…. Chelski almost as funny as Haaland missing a sitter today. Must roll fat joint and watch 4-2 replay … good night
It was a poor decision by Emi, desperate to make amends, which makes it even funnier!!🤣
First time commenter, long time lurker. Couple of quick thoughts as a U16’s coach That’s not much merit, I know, but still, I resonate with Arteta and love the club as a soccer fanatic. Apologies for the eight year’s of posts in one. I thought Mikel managed the game well, though I’d maybe have subbed a bit earlier; particularly Trossard. He was a nice change but he seemed devoid of ideas, save for the long switch. He’ll take some time settling, as the attacking play is a bit complex. He kept it nicely enough, albeit not a major threat. Jorginho… Read more »
One for one on your posts. COYG.
Indeed credit goes to the boys at large for not giving up but Manchester city still remains a lesson to learn more he is beating arsenal in every occasion
Great win against a very stubborn Villa side..that’s a deep dig indeed, that’s what we need to adopt in order to scrap off even a scruffy win in packed defence as we failed to do against Everton and Brentford…
Man City being held by Forest is just so poetic. I think it points to how much they gave into the Arsenal game. They literally left their everything at the Emirates. Not that I really give a toss. 2 points at the top with a game in hand brings back the dreamy feeling. COY Mikel’s red hot Gooners!
celebration today!!
but arteta still needs to learn new tactics. he can rotate players but the play strategy and formation stays the same. today has been lucky but we need to have more on days when luck is out.
Its a classic example of: ‘If its working; why change it’.
BBC headline, for the first 25 minutes after the end of the game “Unai Emery’s Aston Villa denied his former club Arsenal the chance to go back to the top of the Premier League as they played out a dramatic draw at Villa Park”.
The idiots didn’t even get that right!!
Loving Jorginho
Absolutely amazing game! Arsenal was relentless. And we could see how karma is working. 🙂
We were really determined and played some football. I am especially happy for Jorgino.
It’s interesting that he says Zinchenko is working on his finishing, which means he will be expected to drift into central attacking areas, especially the right channel more.
This could be a solution to prevent Saka being isolated and kicked and allow Odegaard to rotate with Saka without the fullback being present. Since White is being rested and Tomi still getting the match sharpness, it makes sense.
I love Mikel for finding solutions tactically which allows the squad to be rotated and everyone plays their part with a strategic focus.