It’s been a tough few weeks for Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal side. After being firmly in the driving seat for a top-four finish this season, three losses on the bounce on their return from the international break has dented their chances.
However, if there was ever a way for them to gain momentum back, then Wednesday’s victory over London rivals Chelsea was certainly the way to do it. In a frantic first half, both sides traded goals back and forth as Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe ’s strikes were cancelled out by Timo Werner and Cesar Azpilicueta.
The second half swung much more in the Gunners’ favour though as Nketiah grabbed a second of the night, before Bukayo Saka calmly stepped up to convert a penalty and secure all three points. It led to Arteta claiming he was proud of his side in his post-match press conference : “I said to them if you want to be playing Champions League football you have to come to these big stages and beat the top teams.
READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Saka's penalty, Nketiah's display and top-four hopes
“Tonight we’ve done it and I’m really proud of them tonight, but I’m more proud of how they’ve reacted to every defeat over the past few weeks. Not only the players but as a staff and a club, and that’s what reinforces me and gives me a reminder of how lucky I am to be here.”
As is usually the case with Arsenal games, the UK national media have reacted to the match and have had their say. The Guardian said: “This was a vibrant performance, made all the more impressive by the fact Arsenal did it without Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney. There was an excellent display in attack from Eddie Nketiah, who grabbed his first league strikes of the season. Emile Smith Rowe took his goal beautifully.
“Saka never stopped running and Granit Xhaka was strong alongside Mohamed Elneny in central midfield, where Chelsea’s lack of urgency left them open to Arsenal’s counterattacks.”
The Daily Mail said in their match report that the young forwards were the key for the Gunners: “For Mikel Arteta, though, this was a fabulous night. The best team won and his bold decision to go with Eddie Nketiah as his striker was rewarded with two well-taken goals. Alexandre Lacazette, the man he replaced, is said to be pining for the Champions League as if he could do nothing to influence that. Nketiah showed him the way forward.
“As did many of Arsenal’s young players. The heart of this team is the youth: Nketiah, Bakayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Aaron Ramsdale, Emile Smith-Rowe. Build around them, go from there. The young forwards are Arsenal’s future, including late substitute Gabriel Martinelli.”
The Express were equally as full of praise for Saka and his role in the win: “If Arsenal are to stand any chance of finishing in the top four, they will need Bukayo Saka at the top of his game. When one on one with Marcos Alonso, the Englishman had him chasing shadows.
“Still just 20 years old, there is more to come from Arsenal's top talent and it is up to Arteta to get it out of him. And all remaining left-backs in his wake should be shaking in their boots.”
