A 3-1 win against Chelsea returns Arsenal to the top of the table for 24 hours and marks something of a reset for Mikel Arteta’s squad after four games without a win.
In his post-game press conference, the manager was buoyed by his team’s performance, especially that of captain Martin Odegaard, and explained why he felt it was time for Jorginho and Jakub Kiwior to be given a chance to shine after recent weeks on the bench.
On how pleased he was with the first half…
Really pleased with the first 60 minutes. I think the way we approached the game, how we started, the determination we showed, the energy. Everything was fluid, there was a lot of movement. We played forward really aggressively, scored some great goals and really connected as well with our supporters and created the atmosphere that we wanted. That’s why I think we won the game. After 60 minutes I think we should have scored four or five, we didn’t do that and then obviously after conceding the goal, there’s still a long period to play that we should have managed the game a little bit better.
On how much that win was needed…
I don’t have a number but personally, a lot because if we want to have any chance to win this league we have to win today and we’ve done it. It was something there, we want to be back on top after tonight, we are and our job was done today and there are still four more to do.
On why he played Jakub Kiwior this evening…
Because he looks ready, he looks fresh, he looks really determined. He’s been better and better every single day, not only training but his interaction, his language, he’s more settled and because he’s a player that I really like that’s why we signed him. He’s got the potential at his age to be great and I think he had a big task against the players he had to face today and I think he did really well.
On Gabriel’s fitness…
Yeah, he was uncomfortable. He tried for 10, 15 minutes, he could not carry on which is strange for Gabi. So I’m a bit concerned about that because normally he’s not one that wants to leave the pitch.
On Odegaard being unfairly singled out for criticism after the City defeat…
I don’t know because I don’t read those comments but what I can say is that he’s been exceptional for us when you look at his contribution every single day in the team and then what he does for us out there every single time, it’s exceptional. The perfect player that plays perfect every game, he doesn’t exist but what Martin has done this season I think deserves a lot of credit.
On Odegaard scoring 14 goals and making 8 assists this season…
That’s what we had to get out of him. He’s got the talent but he needs to occupy different spaces and become a threat and to have a mentality to win matches, not just to control games. I think that’s changed and when you have someone that is as humble as him and has to have every single day pushing you to learn and improve and train, good things happen and I think he gets reward for his work.
On whether he and his players still believe they can win the title…
For sure. We discussed that and there are four games to go, we are at the top right now and then we have to prepare for Newcastle and let’s see what happens. The only thing now we can control is that we win our matches and do that performance as well as possible. I think tonight we’ve done that.
On whether it would be easier for his players to drop their heads…
We cannot do that. To be in the position we are after ten months against the team we are fighting for, being there and having the possibility tonight to be top, is not going to allow anybody not to talk about it and not to feel it. We have to enjoy it and we have to embrace it and we have to maximise the opportunity that we have because we don’t know what’s going to happen.
On what he’s learnt from this busy and intense period…
How great is it to win a football match. Having the feeling that I have right now, there’s nothing like that and going to the dressing room and feeling that energy, there is nothing like that. Everything that we go through, positive and negative, is worth it when we have moments like that. But anything, it’s just in the difficult moments being next to them. They deserve everything from us because of the way they tried, some days is better than other times, but they fully deserve our full support.
On whether he’s found it difficult staying motivated…
No, it’s just don’t be on the message too much on them because I wake up in the morning and I can’t wait to start working and what we’re going to do and how we’re going to maintain that. And I know that we are taking those players to the limit, to the very, very, very limit to be where we are. But this is the only way to do it with this group of players, to be where we are. That’s it.
On whether people underestimate how hard it is to bounce back from a defeat like that against City…
I don’t know but this is our job. You are an elite sport, you’re going to have moments when you feel that you failed when you feel that you have disappointed people, which is the worst thing for me. That feeling of we have created something and now we have disappointed people. That emotion is not nice and it takes a while to get it out of your system, but then you have to bounce back and try to give joy and pride to people and that is what you try to do when you play.
On renewed belief going into the Newcastle match…
We needed a reset, play the way we play, be the team that we are and win the game. Obviously, that gives you confidence, comfort and better energy for tomorrow’s preparation for Newcastle.
On what Jorginho brought to the team tonight…
What he brings every single day in training. Leadership, intelligence, capacity to control the game, the way he communicates with people, the quality that he brings, the level of attention, the experience because he’s been the level of attention, the experience because he’s been in many situations like this before, really pleased with the way he played.
On it being easier to focus on themselves with the City game out of the way…
Yes, that one is gone. That chapter is gone, the one for tonight is gone. We have to focus on the next one that is Newcastle and how we’re going to prepare to win the game.
On Odegaard setting the tone tonight…
Yeah, but I think he’s done that on many occasions throughout the season. The energy that he has when he hasn’t got the ball, the movement, the quality. The way he is in that dressing room is exceptional. We are really pleased to have him as a captain.
Shame Trossard didn’t score just to highlight to those gazumping cunts how well we’ve done with him.
Let’s hope David Moyes have something cooking this week. If they managed to get a draw against us, why can’t they do it against City. Over to you Antonio..
Should’ve pulled Gabi off straight away, you don’t take risks with a hamstring injury like you do with a knock.
It was timely to get one of the easy teams on the bounce after the $ity disappointment. All we can do is win and hope. Keep it up lads.
And as always Fuck Chel$ea!
Great win. Newcastle will be a firmer test for Kiwior. Hope he comes out trumps!
our manager is happy, our captain is doing well, the fans are proud, everyone gets along with each other and go in the same direction. what a pleasing situation to be in. we hadn’t been like this in years, and looking at all the internal issues other teams have had this season like man united, tottenham, chelsea, etc makes you value even higher the stability and progressive atmosphere the club is generating. long may it last, cause some day we’re gonna miss this team and manager really bad.