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Arteta delighted to see his players dig in

After seeing us get off to a winning start at Selhurst Park, Mikel Arteta was thrilled with not just the performance, but with the attitude of his players.

Gabriel Martinelli's header and a Marc Guehi own goal at opposite ends of the game secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory, which saw us control proceedings in the first half before being put under pressure for the majority of the second.

However, we held firm to come out on top, and that was something that pleased the boss as much as the goals and display.

Speaking post-match, he had this to say:

on Selhurst Park always being a difficult place to come to…

It’s a really good win. It’s a very difficult thing to do because they created an atmosphere here and they are a really good side. They created so many issues and we experienced that last season and to come here and win in the way that we did it, credit to the boys. I’m really happy. 

on the way we started the game…

The disappointing thing was that we didn’t score more goals because we had so many opportunities and we looked a real threat, but we cannot expect to do that here for 95 minutes, it’s not going to happen.

Then we have moments where we have to show and dig in and be accountable in our job, especially when we are defending deep, and we did that fantastically well, so I’m really happy to get the clean sheet and the win.

on our three debutants… 

For William [Saliba], to ask him to come here in his first Premier League game away from home against this physical team is a big task and the way the boy played and the way he resolved every situation, he deserves a lot of credit, and I will pat his back because he was superb.

Alex and Gabby have the experience and they’ve done it many, many times, but it’s still a new team and the way they’ve adapted is impressive. 

on Saliba saying his performance was all about the team…

It is his character. He’s a really humble guy and he wants to be coached and he wants to learn. He’s really focused and determined to be a success here and he’s been very patient. We’ve tried to explain and develop him in the right way and we’re really happy for him. 

on Ramsdale making some vital saves…

Yes, especially the last one at the end - match-winners. That’s what you need when you’re coming away from home and you’re going to concede, and we didn’t concede much, but a little bit and Aaron was exceptional today. 

on our momentum with the fans going forward…

We talk about the supporters again and the atmosphere they created here, it’s incredible. The energy and the connection that you feel between them and the supporters is special, so we’re really looking forward to playing at the Emirates in front of them in a few days. 

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