Arteta – ‘It’s another step forward’

Mikel Arteta believes that Sunday’s win and performance over Chelsea will increase our confidence even more.

The victory was our third consecutive against a ‘Big Six’ team this season, after seeing off Tottenham and Liverpool last month – the first time we have managed three in a row in such games since 2012.

More importantly, the victory took us back to the summit of the Premier League, after 13 games played, and increased the lead over Chelsea to 13 points.

“It’s another step forward,” the boss said at the final whistle. “To prove ourselves that we can do it, that we can play at that level against these sorts of players and teams, And Hopefully they will have more belief.

“I think we are a really young team but today we played like a mature team, we use the right words. Composure, it’s determination, it’s quality, it’s courage to do it in these scenarios, and that’s the steps we have to take as a team, and today we have taken that step.”

It’s the third season in a row that the Arsenal supporters have returned from Stamford Bridge in triumphant mood, and Arteta said they once again played their part, and brought the energy once more.

“They were absolutely brilliant again today, they’ve been phenomenal at home, away - around the place, the energy that they have created has transformed the team, I think.

“We are really pleased for them, really pleased for the team and especially the players, to play the way they have done today against this opponent deserves a lot of credit.”