Mikel Arteta believes the 3-0 victory over Cardiff City sent out a big statement to Arsenal's title rivals.
Manchester City and Manchester United both failed to win at the Cardiff City Stadium this season and the Gunners were put under sustained pressure in the second half by Malky Mackay's side.
But Arteta and his team-mates came through and the Spanish midfielder thinks keeping yet another clean sheet was vital.
"We kept another clean sheet which is very important for us because up front we know we have the ability to score"
Mikel Arteta
"Every away game in the Premier League is very tough," Arteta told Arsenal Player. "Considering they beat Man City here and they drew against Man United, just shows you what a tough place this is.
"For us it's a big statement to come here and get the points, to score three goals away from home is very important. We got another clean sheet as well so we're full of confidence.
"I think we looked really solid again, we kept another clean sheet which is very important for us because up front we know we have the ability to score. It's a great three points - we are delighted."
Arteta saved special praise for another stunning performance from Aaron Ramsey who scored two goals against his old club to take his tally to 14 this season.
"I think it was a total performance," he said. "He [Ramsey] helped the team a lot defensively, obviously he's got the energy to get in the box and both finishes are top drawer.
"The fact that you're playing with your crowd at home with your family probably here makes it a bit more difficult. I think he held his nerve and he was fantastic."
Copyright 2024 The Arsenal Football Club Limited. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.
