Arteta hails Raya heroics as Arsenal see off Chelsea problem
The Gunners boss was delighted to see his gamers decide up three essential poitns in opposition to the Blues
Mikel Arteta admitted his “coronary heart virtually stopped” earlier than David Raya produced a shocking stoppage-time save to safe Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Chelsea and preserve the Gunners firmly in charge of the Premier League title race.
Arsenal appeared on track for a comparatively snug afternoon after taking the lead by means of William Saliba within the first half.
That benefit was later restored in dramatic style when Jurrien Timber headed house from a Declan Rice nook, after a Piero Hincapie personal purpose had briefly drawn Chelsea degree.
Nevertheless, the closing phases proved something however easy. Regardless of Chelsea being diminished to 10 males following Pedro Neto’s dismissal on 70 minutes – the membership’s seventh pink card within the league this season – the guests virtually salvaged some extent late on.
Alejandro Garnacho’s highly effective effort in stoppage time appeared destined for the web, just for Raya to supply a full-stretch save of the best high quality to protect all three factors.
Arteta was fast to underline the significance of his goalkeeper’s intervention. “David is one in every of our leaders undoubtedly,” he stated.
“He’s a keeper who is aware of the best way to preserve his focus and resolve a match if you want it. Typically he doesn’t take part in any respect after which all of the sudden he has to behave and the save he made within the final motion – it was an unbelievable shot and my coronary heart virtually stopped, however he stored it out once more.
“It was a wonderful save, however we shouldn’t have been in that place. I attempt to keep calm, however we weren’t getting the dominance we wished in opposition to ten males. Everyone seems to be struggling and the margins are so tight, but it surely’s good. In March, we’re in each competitors and we’re proper up there.”
The victory continues Arsenal’s sturdy response to their current setback in opposition to Wolves, after they surrendered a 2-0 lead to attract 2-2 – a end result that handed Metropolis recent momentum within the title race.
Since then, Arteta’s aspect have claimed successive London derby wins over Tottenham and Chelsea.
Arteta believes that response highlights the squad’s development lately. “The best way we’ve reacted to that disappointing end result has been prime,” he stated. “I believed we had been good, good human beings and desirous to win, however the degree they’re in now’s one other one.
“The sensation that it’s a must to proceed to win and win and win, you win so many video games however it’s not sufficient to open a spot. That is the wonder and the extent of this league.”
Arsenal’s focus now shifts to a visit to Brighton on Wednesday, though there’s a concern over Declan Rice after the midfielder requested to be substituted in opposition to Chelsea. “Declan requested to be substituted, so he must be checked earlier than Wednesday,” Arteta confirmed. “He was feeling some discomfort.”
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