Arsenal left Stamford Bridge with a 3–2 first-leg advantage in the Carabao Cup semi-final, though Mikel Arteta admitted the margin could, and perhaps should, have been greater.
Goals from Ben White, Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi put the Gunners in control on two separate occasions, only for Alejandro Garnacho to drag Chelsea back into the tie twice.
“A big performance and a big win,” was Arteta’s verdict when he spoke to Sky Sports.
“It’s very difficult to come to this place against a team with the quality that they have in every department and do what we’ve done throughout the game.
“But it’s true with the [score] 1–3, and the dominance that we showed, and the two big chances that we had to put the fourth one, in our best moment, they scored the goal that obviously changed the game.
“Overall, I’m very happy, but it could have been better.”
After the game, Ben White suggested Arsenal hadn’t quite hit their usual standards. Arteta was less critical, but conceded there were areas for improvement.
“In some parts, especially in the defending part, in certain aspects. In other aspects, we were very good,” said the Spaniard.
“Sometimes, as well, you have to give credit to the opponent. They have players that unlock the dual and then they are running into you. That’s what they are capable of doing.”
On Liam Rosenior’s tactical approach, he added: “They opened up the game. The height that they put certain players as well, they were more of a threat every time we lost the ball or they won a second [ball] or a dual. But at the same time, they were as well much more exposed.”
Gyokeres was named man of the match after contributing a goal and an assist, and Arteta was quick to highlight the Swede’s influence.
“Viktor has been exceptional in a lot of departments. Today he has shown his best qualities, which is to put the ball in the back of the net. But he’s been in those positions many times today. The ball arrived to the right area, and he did what he had to do.”
The manager was also delighted to see Martin Zubimendi on the scoresheet again, with the midfielder weaving through a crowded box to claim his fourth goal of the season.
On how Arsenal can continue to get the best out of his compatriot, Arteta said:
“Unlock him, because he can do anything. He needs to believe that he can do anything. He can occupy various spaces. He’s really good at carrying the ball. He has really good timing arriving in the box. He’s very composed, as you’ve seen in the goal – for a holding midfielder to do what he’s done is quite rare.”
Before the game, the Gunners would have taken a win, any win. They’ve made a good start. Now they can park this competition for three weeks to focus on three league games and the conclusion of the Champions League group stages. We’ll see the Blues at the Emirates on 3 February.