Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was pleased to see his side give the club’s supporters something to smile about after a hard-fought derby win against Tottenham on Sunday.
The Gunners raced to a 3-0 lead at half time after an own goal from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Bukayo Saka’s brilliant finish and a headed corner-kick from Kai Havertz.
However, Tottenham grew back into the game after a mistake from David Raya gave Cristian Romero the opportunity to capitalize and score before a penalty from Heung-min Son set up the game for a very tense finish.
Arsenal managed to hold on for the win and Arteta is now pleased that his side got the job done at the end of the day.
Arteta delighted Arsenal supporters have reason to smile
“It’s a north London derby against our rivals playing away from home in a beautiful stadium against a really good team,” he said. “You’re going to have to suffer and that’s part of the enjoyment as well. So hopefully now we have given our supporters a great afternoon and the opportunity to be proud of the team.
“You’re coming here knowing you have to win every game. You’re [trying] to win the league. You come to your rivals in this place where you know what has happened to other big teams here, and you have to perform and win the game.
“It feels like we have made it really hard for ourselves, especially the way the game started and the control that we have with the 3-0 and the way we were performing in the second half.”
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya made a silly mistake that could have ended up costing Arsenal the game. Mikel Arteta was pleased to see the goalkeeper’s reaction afterwards and insists the Spaniard has the right mentality.
“This is part of the game and I love the reaction of the team and especially the individuals that were involved in those mistakes because they showed real character,” he added.
“[Raya] stepped up and did what he does best. And that’s when you see the players – when things are at stake, it’s the courage. It’s very easy to talk, but you have to do it on the pitch when something like this happens. I don’t know if I would have that courage to do what he’s done, so big compliment to them.”
Though Arsenal will still need a slip-up from Manchester City if they are to win the league, the Gunners will be eager to keep their momentum going when they take on Bournemouth at the weekend.
