Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta believes his team are growing into genuine Champions League contenders following an impressive win over Paris Saint-Germain last night.
Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka struck in the first-half to secure victory over Luis Enrique’s side as the Gunners boosted their chances of qualifying for the knockout rounds of the tournament.
‘Really, really happy with the performance. We played an opponent that has a lot of personality, is really difficult to deal with when you don’t have the ball. The first half was very dominant and we created a lot of chances and then the second half was a different story.
‘We suffered much more than we should have done. The Champions League brings different demands but I think we handled it really well.’
‘We were so determined, so brave. I sensed, even yesterday, there is something different about them. There’s things we can control but we showed control and calm (even when PSG were pushing in the second half).
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta believes his team are growing into genuine Champions League contenders
On goalscorer Havertz’s performance, Arteta said: ‘He has been unbelievable’
He added:Â ‘We were so determined, so brave. I sensed, even yesterday, there is something different about them’
‘We scored two goals, we continued to be dominant – we could have killed the game with a third but we so credit to them, too.
‘The players feel we are heading in the right direction, it’s a great sign. We played one of the best teams in the world, so to perform in the way we did (is pleasing).’
The Gunners are also likely to push current Premier League champions Manchester City all the way in the title race.
And Saka – who captained the team last night – said he believes this is the season the Gunners finally become winners.
Asked if this is the campaign Arsenal finally pip City to the title, Saka responded: ‘I don’t want to put too much pressure on ourselves but I do think this is the year.
‘We’ve been close the last two years and we are getting closer but this will hopefully be the year.’
On goalscorer Havertz’s performance, Arteta said: ‘He has been unbelievable. His football brain, the way he understands space, his timing, he brings people together.
‘His work ethic is incredible and now he is a real threat around the box. He is one of our main players at the moment.
And Saka – who captained the team last night – said he believes this is the season the Gunners finally become winners
However, the Gunners are sweating on the fitness of Jurrien Timber, who was substituted at half-time with a muscular issue
Havertz and Saka struck in the first-half to secure victory over Luis Enrique’s side
‘So intelligent with a great work ethic.’
However, the Gunners are sweating on the fitness of Jurrien Timber, who was substituted at half-time with a muscular issue.
Timber missed virtually all of last season with an ACL injury, and Arteta added: ‘He felt something muscular and he wasn’t certain. He has played lot of minutes and we have to manage him.’