Arteta: ‘It doesn’t get much better than that’

Mikel Arteta says he has never known anything like the atmosphere being generated by our supporters at the moment.

The boss was fulsome in his praise for the team after another memorable night at Emirates Stadium, but also highlighted the part the crowd continue to play in our hot run of form.

We have dropped just two points from nine home games in the league so far this season, and the reaction inside the stadium at full-time told just how important this win was.

“It was a beautiful moment at the end to win a game of this stature,” Mikel said at full-time. “The way we've done it with our people and the atmosphere that created... It doesn't get much better than that - it was great.

“Today again the experience with these people. How they support the team, the energy that they create especially when we concede a goal, I've never seen this. Straight away they're behind the team and putting energy into the team it’s just incredible to live it.”

There were standout performances across the team, and the manager said the collective effort paved the way for the win.

“Collectively they were incredible. To play against this team especially after conceding first. The way we played, the way we sustained our level and we got better and better at the end of the game. We showed a lot of emotional control and a lot of quality and personality to take the ball and do what we did, especially in the second half to win the game.

“Desire is not enough. Desire is great, attitude is great and personality is good but then you need the quality and the organisation. The boys were incredibly good today and deserved to win the game.”

The win took us to 50 points – exactly halfway through the Premier League season – but the manager said it’s time to immediately refocus on the challenges to come, starting this Friday against Manchester City in the FA Cup.

“We move on to tomorrow, review the match, train well and start to think about Man City.”