Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is on cloud nine after leading his men to a 5-0 drubbing of London rivals, Chelsea on Tuesday night. The Gunners ran riot over the Blues at Emirates Stadium to cement their spot at the summit with 77 points from 34 games in the English Premier League table. In an address to the media per the club’s official website, Arteta praised his men for a gallant display to beat his counterpart, Mauricio Pochettino.
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With the Blues having gone into half-time 1-0 down, Chelsea went on to concede four goals during a devastating 18-minute spell in the second half as they fell to their heaviest defeat in a London derby since 1986.
Pochettino made three changes to his defence for the game, opting to rest Trevoh Chalobah and Thiago Silva, while Malo Gusto sustained an injury during Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester City.
Arsenal Boss on Cloud Nine After Drubbing the Blues
The Spaniard said the big win gives his men a much-needed boost as they challenge for the EPL title. He also singled out his key players and brace hero Kai Havertz who was on fire against a lacklustre Chelsea.
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“Great for us obviously, for the confidence, for the belief that we can do it and we can come to these stages against big teams and we can perform and win games the way we have done tonight,” said Arteta to the club website.
“So enjoy it and it’s back to work tomorrow because we have a big one Sunday and we’re going to have to prepare really well to try to beat them.”
In addition, the former Man. City assistant boss, Arteta added that he hopes to see continuity in their display.
“Yeah, a big performance, collectively and individually I thought we were really good against a really good team that was in great form, and they were going to ask us a lot of questions, and we responded well,” added Arteta.
“From the start of the game, I think we were determined, really flowing, playing with a lot of courage and making things happen. Yeah, happy with the result, it’s a big day for our supporters as well so really happy with that.”
The other goals for the hosts came courtesy of Ben White’s brace as well as one from Leandro Trossard as they left Pochettino furious.
Chelsea Boss Gutted After Demolition
The seasoned mentor didn’t mince his words after the game, saying his men were scared and despaired after going down 1-0 at the interval.
“It’s not difficult to explain. Everyone saw we didn’t compete from the beginning of the game,” Pochettino shared his reaction. After we conceded the team was so soft. I’m so disappointed with the start because we’re supposed to have full energy and compete better. We were not aggressive and we did not concentrate on situations where it is easy to find the solution. That is why I’m so disappointed.”
Chelsea had gone into the match on an eight-game unbeaten run in the Premier League and an outside chance of qualifying for Europe next season. But Tuesday’s loss – their biggest of the season – leaves them ninth in the table.
“We were talking at half-time to start in a different way,” added Pochettino. “But we did not. When we conceded the third goal the team gave up. It was tough on them. We competed really well against Manchester City, it was a fantastic game. But then we did not compete three days later. Maybe we were not fresh.”
What’s Next for Arsenal and Chelsea:
The Gunners will have another test in their title chase when they meet Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday while the former European champions will visit Aston Villa on Saturday evening.
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