Mikel Arteta praised his side’s “authority and determination” after Arsenal moved six points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Arsenal secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Bukayo Saka returned to the starting line-up to inspire the win alongside striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Consequently, the Gunners have piled immense pressure on title rivals Manchester City, who have two games in hand. Mikel Arteta was delighted with the intensity his players showed from the opening whistle.
Arteta hails Arsenal “authority” after crucial Fulham win
“It was a great team performance,” the Arsenal boss told Sky Sports after the match. “There were some great individual performances as well, which is very important,” he added.
The manager noted that the team started exactly as they had planned. “We started in the game as we wanted. Very lively. Really intense in the high press,” Arteta explained.
Gyokeres scored twice to take his season’s tally to 21 goals in all competitions. Meanwhile, Saka provided a goal and an assist in an electric performance.
Arteta also highlighted the incredible atmosphere created by the home supporters. “We got the crowd going and when this stadium creates that kind of atmosphere, it can be difficult,” he said.
“We showed a lot of authority, determination and composure. We brought a lot of energy to the stadium,” the manager continued.
Arsenal are now preparing for a massive Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. Arteta believes his squad possesses the rhythm to handle the demanding schedule.
“We are used to playing every three days,” the Spaniard noted. “We will play one of the biggest games in the history of this stadium.”
The manager also reserved special praise for young talent Myles Lewis-Skelly. “The way he is acting in training, the way he is behaving around the boys is phenomenal,” Arteta remarked.
He concluded by reminding his players that this record-breaking season is not yet over. “We won the most games in the history of this club in a whole season and it’s not finished.”
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