Arteta praises "best atmosphere"

Mikel Arteta believes that the atmosphere generated by our supporters in the 3-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur was the best he’s ever experienced during his association with the club.

Having issued a rallying call for all our Gooners to match last season’s levels that propelled us to victory, the boss was thrilled with the noise throughout that afternoon as his players matched the result from last season and kept us on top of the Premier League table.

Speaking to Arsenal.com post-match, he said on our fans: “They were incredible - probably the best atmosphere I’ve seen in this stadium since I’ve been involved with the club for sure. It’s just a joy - thank you. I feel so grateful to be part of this, and they’re making this journey very very special.

“It’s a beautiful day. The way we performed, just the experience of living that atmosphere and the connection with our people and actually win it is so meaningful. 

“I’m really happy because we know how much it means for everybody, and just to give a bit of joy and happiness to these people is fulfilling - I think everyone feels that way.

Goals from Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus and Granit Xhaka claimed the three points and ensure that Arteta became just the third manager to win his first three home north London derbies alongside George Morrell and Terry Neill.

However, things could have been different when Harry Kane converted a penalty after 30 minutes to peg us back, but the boss was thrilled with the desire and calmness of his players to bounce back and still deliver the victory all Gooners craved.

Reflecting on proceedings, he said: “The way we started, we were really aggressive, we were really determined. We had good connection, good quality and good intensity in our play, and I could sense that we were up for it. 

“Then we conceded the goal and I loved the reaction of the team. To straight away refocus and get the direction, everything was going in the direction we wanted and we sustained the level and we won the game.

“This is a very different game because there is a lot of emotion for both. It’s really meaningful for everybody, and the build-up is very different. We know that it’s a day in the calendar that is a chance to deliver something to our people and that brings a little bit more responsibility, but I think the players handled it really well.”