Arteta makes Old Trafford admission; reveals what he’s glad is ‘finished’

Arteta.Arsenal.TEAMtalk

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted playing at Old Trafford is “different to any other ground”, and gave his thoughts on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ending his mini goal drought.

The Gunners secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Man Utd, but the scoreline did not truly reflect the gulf in performances from the two teams.

Inspired by the energetic Thomas Partey and lead by Gabriel Magalhaes at the back, Arsenal showcased a newfound steel that rarely looked like giving their opponents a sniff at goal.

Speaking to the BBC following the victory, Arteta said: “I wanted to generate belief and I asked them to be who we are as a team right now.

“I’m delighted because we played with a lot of courage and big personality.

“They played a really tricky formation with four midfielders and two that constantly strain your back four.

“We could have scored twice in the first half and when we scored the goal we had to manage those moments. There was high stress, it is different to any other ground.

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“Individually you have to win the fights and step up to the occasion and the performance of every player today was top drawer.”

On Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s goal drought: “I’m glad it’s finished. Every striker needs goals and in these moments we have to create more for Aubameyang.

“He has scored the crucial goal and it is going to lift his confidence.”

 

Aubameyang relishes Old Trafford victory

Aubameyang.Arsenal.TEAMtalk

The matchwinner Aubameyang was acutely aware of his side’s poor record versus the big six teams, and reiterated the player’s belief in Arteta and his methods.

“It was a very tough night but I’m really happy because the team did very well,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s been a long time since we won here.

“We knew we had to score after having opportunities in the first half. And then we had the penalty. We work a lot with our penalties in training so we are pretty confident.

“The team did a great job. Everyone was giving their best that’s why we won. We knew since the beginning that we had to trust the process. Mikel [Arteta] is bringing something very nice and we have to follow.”