We recorded a dominant win over Bayern Munich to extend our 100 per cent start in the Champions League, and move three points clear at the top of the 36-team table.
There were plenty of highlights on a memorable night at Emirates Stadium, and Mikel Arteta was rightly proud of his team’s display at the final whistle.
After the game he revealed what pleased him most from the 90 minutes. “Probably the desire, the attitude, the consistency in every action, how the team and the individual are connected constantly, the purpose, the aggression that we play with against a team that is constantly man-to-man,” he said.
“Psychologically and mentally it’s very difficult because you win some duels, you lose others, and you have to go into the next action. And we talked about that and I think they dealt with that part of the game incredibly well.
“I’m so proud of the team, of the players, of the atmosphere that again we have created,” he continued. “The way we have connected throughout the game. It’s unbelievable, because I think we played the best team in Europe.
“They are incredibly well coached, they have so many solutions and talent. We knew it was going to be a long match, but I think the way we played individually, I think everybody excelled at this level. And that’s what you have to do if you want to win against these teams.”
Both of the second-half goals were scored by substitutes, Noni Madueke’s was also created by Riccardo Calafiori, who had only just come off the bench himself.
It once again highlighted the strength in depth at Arteta’s disposal.
“We bring people in because Leo had to come off and Noni is ahead of schedule, and he’s ready to come and score his first goal for the club, which is great. Martinelli comes in, Richy comes in; the first action he puts the ball in and he creates an assist. And then great to have Martin back, to have some minutes with Ben as well. So, everybody’s so willing. They want it so badly and you can sense that.”
The win came on the back of our thumping north London derby victory at the weekend, and the boss said the supporters played their part again on Wednesday.
“They were unbelievable, honestly. It felt like we carried all the energy that we had and the energy stayed in the stadium for two days. So, thank you so much. It makes such a difference the way that the team is connecting with our supporters.”
So we end the evening six points clear of the pack in the Premier League, and three points clear in Europe, surely the boss will sleep well in that knowledge?
“I will, I will,” he smiled, “but tomorrow morning I will wake up and let’s go to Chelsea.”
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