Mikel Arteta’s side took a significant step towards winning the Premier League title by defeating London rivals Chelsea at the Emirates on Sunday night, but the Gunners boss has sent a strong message to his squad.
Mikel Arteta gives his verdict on the title showdown between Arsenal and Manchester City (Image: Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal are already on their way to the title after re-establishing their lead at the top of the table. The Gunners defeated Chelsea 2-1, moving their lead over Manchester City back to five points, despite having played one more game.
Arsenal have nine games left in the season, so more twists and turns are expected. Asked to make a decision, Arsenal manager Arteta suggested the race had already begun.
He told Sky Sports: “We’ve had that feeling for a long time (the run-in has started). That feeling when you have to keep winning and keep winning. Even if you win a lot of games, it’s not enough to widen the gap. That’s the beauty of this league.”
William Saliba gave Arsenal the lead against Chelsea, but Piero Hincapie’s own goal equalized just before the break. Arsenal eventually got over the line with a goal from Julian Timber, but Pedro Neto was the last Blues to be sent off.
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Arteta praised his team but thought the margin of victory should have been more emphasized. The player said, “It was a big win. I’m very happy. The team had a great performance for a long period of time, but the difference at halftime should have been even bigger.”
“It hurt in the moment of conceding the goal, but the quality of Chelsea…we should have managed the situation better after their red card, but we will talk about this tomorrow.
“They have very high quality. Even with a keeper, they can get out of a situation with 10 men. We didn’t adjust very well. Sometimes we take things for granted. That’s something we need to improve on.”
“They (Chelsea) have players who can occupy different spaces. Cole (Palmer) can play a false nine and occupy these spaces. He needs just one square meter to turn and activate the players. They have good quality, big personalities and are really well coached. They are very good at turning in tight spaces. Caicedo, Enzo (Fernandes), Cole. It’s impressive. They are a top side.”
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal prepare for run-in (Image: Getty Images)
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Arsenal used one of their most useful weapons against Chelsea: their set-piece prowess. Saliba and Timber both scored from corners, with Arsenal scoring from 16 corners, the most this season.
On what sets Arsenal apart when it comes to set-pieces, Arteta said: “Like any other player, attacking and defending. We know exactly what they’re going to do, but they do it so well that it’s just a nightmare to defend.”
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