The Gunners boss was delighted to see his gamers choose up three essential poitns towards the Blues
Mikel Arteta admitted his “coronary heart virtually stopped” earlier than David Raya produced a surprising stoppage-time save to safe Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Chelsea and hold the Gunners firmly in charge of the Premier League title race.
Arsenal appeared heading in the right direction for a comparatively snug afternoon after taking the lead via William Saliba within the first half.
That benefit was later restored in dramatic vogue when Jurrien Timber headed residence from a Declan Rice nook, after a Piero Hincapie personal purpose had briefly drawn Chelsea stage.
Nevertheless, the closing phases proved something however easy. Regardless of Chelsea being diminished to 10 males following Pedro Neto’s dismissal on 70 minutes – the membership’s seventh crimson card within the league this season – the guests virtually salvaged some extent late on.
Alejandro Garnacho’s highly effective effort in stoppage time appeared destined for the web, just for Raya to supply a full-stretch save of the very best high quality to protect all three factors.
Arteta was fast to underline the significance of his goalkeeper’s intervention. “David is certainly one of our leaders indubitably,” he mentioned.
“He’s a keeper who is aware of preserve his focus and determine a match if you want it. Generally he doesn’t take part in any respect after which abruptly he has to behave and the save he made within the final motion – it was an unbelievable shot and my coronary heart virtually stopped, however he stored it out once more.
“It was a superb save, however we shouldn’t have been in that place. I attempt to keep calm, however we weren’t getting the dominance we wished towards ten males. Everyone seems to be struggling and the margins are so tight, however it’s good. In March, we’re in each competitors and we’re proper up there.”
The victory continues Arsenal’s robust response to their latest setback towards Wolves, after they surrendered a 2-0 lead to attract 2-2 – a outcome that handed Metropolis recent momentum within the title race.
Since then, Arteta’s facet have claimed successive London derby wins over Tottenham and Chelsea.
Arteta believes that response highlights the squad’s development lately. “The best way we’ve got reacted to that disappointing outcome has been high,” he mentioned. “I assumed we have been good, good human beings and desirous to win, however the stage they’re in now’s one other one.
“The sensation that it’s a must to proceed to win and win and win, you win so many video games however it isn’t sufficient to open a niche. That is the wonder and the extent of this league.”
Arsenal’s focus now shifts to a visit to Brighton on Wednesday, though there’s a concern over Declan Rice after the midfielder requested to be substituted towards Chelsea. “Declan requested to be substituted, so he must be checked earlier than Wednesday,” Arteta confirmed. “He was feeling some discomfort.”
