'Performances are related to winning'

Mikel Arteta was a happy, if relieved, man after we ground out a 1-0 home win over West Ham on Saturday. Here’s what he told Arsenal Digital at full-time at the Emirates.

on the victory…

I’m really happy with the result. The team found a way and big teams do that when they don’t have the best game, the best performance, they found something to grab on and get the win. Today we did it with Bernd (Leno), in two or three moments when we needed some of the action form the central defenders, and the players from the bench coming in and making an impact, and winning the game for the team.

on our lack of chances today…

I think West Ham were really good in a defensive block. I think they made it hard for us, I didn’t think we moved the ball quick enough today and we weren’t sharp enough. We didn’t have the picture as clear as we should have had in the final third to penetrate and be more of a threat. We didn’t finish actions at all, I think everything was up there up to the final third and we struggled to find the right pass, which always allows oppositions for transitions and in the first half we lose then ball then we lose areas as well and we allowed them to run. After that it probably was a set-piece, a long ball, and we’re suffering but we will improve and you can always improve by winning.

on Pablo Mari’s league debut…

I think he was very good and in the first half he took a few moments to sort out what he needed to do. He’s brave, he’s willing, he’s impressive without the ball and he has a presence. He is very vocal around his team even if he’s only been two days here, but he has that ability and that character. I’m really pleased with him.

on our unbeaten league run…

That’s what we wanted. Performances are related to winning or not winning matches and with this period that we’re creating, I think it helps to that as well. We have to review the game today, take some outcome out of it and prepare the game well to go to Manchester and try to win again.