Arsenal cemented their position at the top of the Premier League table with a win over Sunderland
Mikel Arteta praised a ‘very tough opponent’ in Sunderland after Arsenal’s 3-0 win at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Black Cats produced a spirited display but fell behind shortly before half time when Martin Zubimendi scored from the edge of the area. Though Sunderland again started the second half brightly, the hosts took complete control through a goal from substitute Viktor Gyokeres, who then scored a third on the break very late in the game.
Arteta praised Sunderland’s performance and felt the first goal was a key moment in the game.
“Very, very happy obviously with the win, with big parts of the performance, with the clean sheet as well, because it's a really tough opponent,” Arteta said.
“They're really good at what they do, really good at breaking play, playing to the last line, breaking your press, holding the ball, and it's very difficult to get sequences with threat and momentum consecutively. But we knew that, I think the first goal really helped to unlock that kind of phase, and then again, the finishers, they came on the pitch and immediately they had a huge impact.”
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Mikel Arteta explains tactical switch for Sunderland game
Kai Havertz was a key performer in the game for the hosts, dropping into a slightly deeper role than usual behind striker Gabriel Jesus.
“Well, I suppose with the kind of game that we expected as well and the way they play and the type of threat that we wanted to create as well with him and Gabby in and around the three central defenders,” Arteta said.
“So, yeah, something as well that we have to use because we have very different qualities from Kai to Martin or to Ebs or another attacking midfielder. “
Arteta also praised Gyokeres for being ready to make an impact from the bench: “Yes, and I think the way he came in, he was ready straight away.
“And when he got the line-up and he wasn't in, everybody reacted in such a way. Because we know, we’re experiencing it every three days, how important the finishers are, the impact that they are having on the team, the results, and where we are at the moment, so I'm very happy. “
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