Mikel Arteta admitted his side took time to find their rhythm against Fulham, but praised their persistence after Leandro Trossard bundled home the only goal from a second-half corner.
The Gunners had briefly slipped to second following Manchester City’s win over Everton earlier in the day, yet handled the pressure well to secure a vital three points at a ground that has caused problems in recent seasons. The manager was pleased with his side’s mentality.
“A really tough place to come, a really good side, we knew that, we experienced it in the last few years,” Arteta told Sky Sports.
“I think we did a lot to win the game, we put a lot into it, we had some difficulties, some giveaways in the first half and certain transitions.
“I think we overcame that and were dominant throughout the game against a really organised team, insisting like being a hammer in every action, and in the end, through that, insisting, insisting, insisting, we’ve found a way through to score a goal.”
He added: “Winning or drawing a game sometimes it goes to very, very small details. And today we managed better than we did a year ago. But we need to continue. It’s very early.”
Despite not being at their best, Arsenal could easily have won by a wider margin. Riccardo Calafiori’s superb first-time strike was ruled out for offside, and a second-half penalty was overturned after VAR ruled that substitute Kevin touched the ball before bringing down the lively Bukayo Saka. Viktor Gyokeres also had chances but couldn’t end his scoring drought against an in-form Bernd Leno.
In the end, another set piece proved decisive, a recurring theme in recent seasons, with Trossard becoming Arsenal’s tenth different league scorer this campaign. That stat, in particular, pleased Arteta.
“I think it’s a lot of goalscorers already for very early in the season, which is great,” he said.
“Spreading the goals and not just relying on one player to do the job — that’s a big strength of ours. Another clean sheet, which is really, really good to see. So, very happy.”
It was also revealed that this was the first time since the Invincibles season that Arsenal have restricted opponents to zero shots on target in back-to-back league games, having done the same to West Ham earlier in the month.
With competition for places fierce, Arteta says managing the squad is now a pleasure.
“It’s a joy. Because that’s what we want, to be better as a team. And to have players with that mindset.
“You put two examples [Trossard and Martinelli pushing each other], I can name so many. Christian [Norgaard], you ask him to play the last five minutes and he plays the best five minutes that he can play. And that’s what we need. And very happy with that.”
Nine wins from 11 games in all competitions leaves Arsenal top of the league, three points clear before Liverpool’s clash with Manchester United – no wonder the away fans were in full voice after full time, many having enjoyed a boozy boat ride along the Thames before kick-off.
Keen to keep perspective, Arteta added: “Three weeks ago we went to Newcastle. If we lose in Newcastle, the Premier League is over. So, that’s the narrative. That’s the demand in this league.”
His message to the team was simple: “Try your best, win as many football matches as you can. There’s no secret to that.”