Mikel Arteta had every reason to be delighted with Arsenal’s performance against Manchester City, but the boss was especially proud of the incredible support from the Gunners faithful in securing such a massive victory.
This was Arsenal’s biggest-ever victory against the reigning Premier League champions, and the Emirates was absolutely electric, especially during an unforgettable second half.
“It was a great day; the result was massive,” Arteta said.
“The performance, the manner that we’ve done it; really happy, really proud of the players. Really proud, again, of the atmosphere that we created in the stadium – it was mind-blowing. So, a good day to remember.”
“To live moments like this with the stadium, that energy, with that cohesion between the team and our supporters, that’s something to build on.”
The North London side’s opener was a direct reward for their relentless pressing against the champions’ defense, setting the tone for a dominant and well-rounded display.
“We were very aggressive, we played with a lot of courage,” he added.
“It has its risks as well because they are so talented, they understand the solutions to them. It’s risky, but it paid off. We had moments as well where we had to suffer and dig deep, stay deep and be uncomfortable there, have a bit of luck in the right moments and I think they were superb. With the intentions that we played, playing forward, running, attacking spaces, taking risks with the ball and it really paid off.”
“The timing [of our second goal] was really important because emotionally we got in the game straight away without giving them any hope or initiative and then we went one after the other as well, so really pleased.”
It was also the first time in nearly 40 years that the Gunners had two teenagers score in the same league game, as 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri both found the net.
“Individually you need big performances throughout the team, we certainly had that, Myles had that. On top of that now, he adds a goal that is really relevant and important. The same with Ethan, he comes into a position that is quite new for him, and he scores an incredible goal.”
