Mikel Arteta spoke to Sky Sports after Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Fulham sent his side 6 points clear at the top of the table.
Here’s what he had to say.
How happy are you?
It was a great team performance right from the beginning. There were some great individual performance as well, which is very important. So yeah, we started the game like we wanted. Very aggressive, very lively, great combinations, a lot of attacking actions. Really, really, really intense in the high press as well.
We’ve got the crowd going too, and when this stadium starts to create that kind of atmosphere, it makes it really difficult for the opponent.
Did Tuesday’s upcoming game play a part in team selection?
Yes, but especially because it’s the kind of game that we expected and we had more players available as well. We’ve been missing some players. It’s true that we lost a few players as well before the game, but I think it was a really good balance in terms of the qualities and the chemistry that we could find on the pitch and then the boys delivered a great performance.
Dealing with the nerves …
I think we showed a lot of authority and determination and composure. I think we brought a lot of energy to the stadium. They [the fans] responded in a brilliant way and that was a big win.
How impressed was he by Myles in midfield?
I was impressed but not surprised because I said it before, the way he’s acting, the way he’s training every day, the way he’s been in and around the boy, has been exceptional. He has this quality and I think the game suited him.
If Arsenal are in the driving seat now …
Game two done and the rest of it is to go, that’s all I can say.
If he’s positive …
Yeah, I mean, I think the team has been so consistent throughout the whole year. I think we’ve won the most games in the history of this club in one season and the season hasn’t been finished so imagine what the boys have done.
On momentum going into Tuesday after Atletico rested 11 players …
It is what it is. We have a lot of rhythm. We’ve been so used to playing every three days. We’re going to play one of the biggest games in the history of this stadium. So what else do we want?