After seeing Viktor Gyokeres grab his first goals, Jurrien Timber bag a brace and a host of players make their home debuts, Mikel Arteta feels that our 5-0 win against Leeds United will be remembered for a long time to come.
The boss was thrilled to see his new-look side run riot against last season’s Championship winners, as they put on a show in their first Emirates Stadium outing of the new campaign.
On a day of many highlights, our Swedish striker bagging a brace to open his Arsenal account was a massive plus, and Mikel was thrilled to see him get off the mark in style with an excellent opener full of power and pace before he showed coolness to bury a penalty late on.
“It’s very important to get off the mark, and for Viktor as well, the way he took the first goal was very impressive. His work rate, he's managed to play the full match as well, so that's another level as well for him.
“Jurrien scoring two goals as well was something unusual, but I’m so happy for him as we've been through a lot with the last injury as well. He's put so much effort in with the medical staff to be able to get to that level, so very happy. [Cristhian] Mosquera as well made his debut, and Max as well. Something very special happened today, I think.”
In our first competitive outing back in front of our own supporters in three months, we sent them into the bank holiday weekend buzzing with a ruthless display in front of goal.
The noise levels were huge before a ball had been kicked after Eberechi Eze was introduced to the crowd pre-match, and continued throughout as the goals flew past the Whites, a nd Mikel is hoping the feel-good factor remains throughout the campaign as he looks for everyone to hit new heights in 2025/26, on and off the pitch.
“It's very special, the first game of the season at home, and we wanted to make sure that we started well,” he added. “We started to get that synergy, that connection with the supporters, and started to feel the confidence of playing at home again.
“It was a great result, a clean sheet, and some very important debuts and first goalscorers for the club. So, a beautiful day.
“They’re great moments. I think this is about living those experiences, those moments together, and today we have some beautiful ones, and I think the fans enjoyed it.
“I think they created a very different experience. I think it's going to go up a level this season, I feel it. They are really excited. I think the new signings have brought something different to the club, to themselves as well. So, let’s make sure that we enjoy it, and we have some great days together.”
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