Mikel Arteta
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Mikel Arteta described Chelsea as the “best attacking team in the Premier League” after Arsenal secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Blues at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
In a tightly contested match, Mikel Merino’s first-half header proved to be the difference, earning Arsenal a crucial three points. Chelsea, missing key attackers Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Noni Madueke, struggled to create meaningful chances and rarely threatened Arsenal’s defence.
Despite their lacklustre display, Arteta was full of praise for Chelsea’s attacking prowess.
“I’m very happy, obviously, with the result and with big parts of the performance,” Arteta said after Arsenal reduced Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League to 12 points. “We had a lot of chances and then we conceded almost nothing apart from a strange save from David [Raya].
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“That’s huge credit to the team because, in my opinion, Chelsea are the best attacking team in the league.”
When asked to elaborate on his assessment, Arteta doubled down on his view, citing statistical data.
Arsenal are now unbeaten in seven games against Chelsea in the Premier League.
It’s the longest run for the Gunners against their London rivals in 20 years.
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“In open play, yes. By a mile. The stats say it, and everything that I’ve seen says it. They can open you up, they have individual quality, they can go in behind, they attack from both sides, and they are missing some big players. I have a lot of data, and I see how they play,” he explained.
Chelsea currently sit fourth in the Premier League, nine points behind second-placed Arsenal and 21 points adrift of leaders Liverpool. Enzo Maresca’s side has scored 53 goals this season—matching Arsenal’s tally but trailing behind Manchester City and Liverpool.
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Given his glowing praise for Chelsea, Arteta was asked whether he expects them to be a major force in the Premier League next season.
“Yes,” he replied. “Having the injuries has not helped them, but the manager is really good, and the squad and the players—the quality is there.”
Turning his focus back to Arsenal, Arteta emphasised the importance of the victory.
“We should have done much more, but we are very happy. It was an important game. We played a top opponent, and the team showed unbelievable spirit. Now we go into the international break.
“The only thing we can do is try to win our matches. If we do, we put ourselves in a better position.”
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