ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has hailed his side’s “fight and courage” after securing a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s second-half spot-kick gave the Gunners their first away win against a traditional ‘Top Six’ side in five years.
Mikel Arteta secured Arsenal’s first away win against ‘Top Six’ opposition in five yearsCredit: AFP or Licensors
And having been the better side for the majority of the match, Arteta, 38, was understandably thrilled at the final whistle.
When asked about ending their ‘Top Six’ hoodoo, he told the BBC: “I wanted to keep it quiet from the players.
“I wanted to generate belief and I asked them to be who we are as a team right now.
“I’m delighted because we played with a lot of courage and big personality.
“They played a really tricky formation with four midfielders and two that constantly strain your back four.
“We could have scored twice in the first half and when we scored the goal we had to manage those moments.
“There was high stress, it is different to any other ground.
“Individually you have to win the fights and step up to the occasion and the performance of every player today was top drawer.”
Aubameyang ended his PL goal drought from the spotCredit: Reuters
Aubameyang, 31, had been on a five-match goal drought in the Premier League.
But his finish was unerring from the penalty spot.
And Arteta is relieved to have his skipper back on the scoresheet.
He continued: “I’m glad it’s finished.
“Every striker needs goals and in these moments we have to create more for Auba.
“He has scored the crucial goal and it is going to lift his confidence.”
The result takes Arsenal up to eighth, one point off the top four positions.
Arteta hailed his star forwardCredit: EPA
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
