That was a big win for you wasn’t it?
Big win for us. It’s another step for us I think. To come here against a top opponent, top world class players all over the pitch, dominate the game and actually win it is very meaningful. Hopefully it will give the boys even more belief.
How important is it that they take confidence from the performance?
Yeah I was really impressed. We are a young team, but we showed a lot maturity today, a lot of composure, a lot courage to play on this stage the way we have played. That’s easy to say but actually very difficult to do. I think the boys were absolutely phenomenal today.
How special a moment was it at the end with the fans?
It was great. Our supporters have been absolutely phenomenal. They have transformed the mood of the club, that’s my opinion, and they have transferred the belief of the players. To share that with them at the end there is really special. I had my family there, I had my son there in the middle of the crowd so it was really great.
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How good has Granit Xhaka’s turnaround been?
He’s a fighter and he’s someone who is going to face moments of adversity. Now he needs to learn to enjoy more the good moments and I think he enjoys that.
That was the first time Arsenal have won three times in a row at Stamford Bridge since 1949-51. How different were the wins?
I think they were very different. The first one, compared to this one is very different. They are wins. It’s so difficult to do it against this club. We’ve done it but I’m especially pleased with how we’ve won today. I think that’s really difficult to do.
Can you reflect on the pressing from the front three today?
They’ve been phenomenal. They have a real willingness to do it and they are capable physically now to do it and maintain it because they have been matured. The difference is demanding them to do something and then them feeling how important and beneficial it is for themselves. Then starting with Gabi (Jesus). What he did today was just phenomenal.
Do they enjoy it?
Yeah. You have to.
Do you ever allow yourself to think second place would be a fantastic achievement or do you just focus on top spot?
What is a fantastic achievement is to see the team taking another step. Today we were under pressure because we lost the top spot. We prepared the game to come here and win but understanding that winning here is a different story. The boys they’ve done it. I’m really happy because they’ve done that step.
How much has Gabriel Magalhaes matured recently?
I think both of them. I think that pair again they were outstanding both of them. That’s why we sustained it really well, especially when we had to defend open spaces, which is very difficult, again in this place, to do what we demand they do, but I think they did it really well.
What's the difference between this win and Manchester United away where you played well but lost?
We lacked discipline in that game. We lacked the discipline that is necessary in certain moments to do what you have to do, because if not you get punished. We learned that lesson really well. We played really well there and it wasn’t enough to win. That is the difference to what top teams do.
Without saying 'one game at a time' what do you think your title chances are?
Do something: just look at the last six years, what Manchester City have done. With the best manager in the world, the best team in the world. They have shown it consistently in every single competition. We have to be very very respectful of that. We are getting much better as a team and competing much better. We are getting really good results right now, but this is a long long…
Are you in contention?
We are today. But in football, today and tomorrow is a very different. So let’s enjoy time.
Saka was getting kicked a lot again today. What did you make of that?
You saw me on that touchline. I was really calm and happy with the decisions...
He's effectively being accused of diving isn't he?
Bukayo, he does not dive.
There's now a massive gap over Chelsea. How important is that?
That is very unusual and we need to make the most of it. We had a really good start obviously we are still very early in the season and we have to maintain that, but it is going to be a long, long marathon.
What did you make of Ben White's performance?
I am really happy with him. He is playing in different positions. I think he is acclimating himself in a great way to that full-back position. His understanding with the players around him is top and I really like him. He always wants to be there, he trains every single day, he plays under any circumstances and I love the boy.
Should he be in the England squad?
That is not for me to decide. If he does I will be so happy for him because he deserves it.
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