Mikel Arteta spoke to Sky Sports after [today’s 2-1 win over Chelsea](https://arseblog.news/2026/03/report-arsenal-2-1-chelsea-inc-goals-4/) at the Emirates. Here’s what he had to say.
**On the win …**
A big win. I’m very happy. For big periods, I think the team performed in an excellent way. I think the margin should have been bigger at half-time. The moment, especially, that we conceded, it was painful. But as well as the quality of Chelsea, the players and what they can deliver. After scoring the 2-1, we had another big chance with Ebz.
And then the red card, and I said that we should have managed that situation better. We can talk about that tomorrow!
**Were the final stages uncomfortable?**
They are uncomfortable, because they have so much quality. And even when they use the keeper, they can get out of the situation with ten men. We didn’t adjust things well. And sometimes that happens. You take things for granted. So, something to improve there.
**On how Chelsea caused Arsenal problems?**
Their players can occupy various spaces. Cole \[Palmer\], when he starts to play as a false 9, occupies these spaces. He just needs one square metre to turn and activate players in his back. And they have quality, and big personalities as well.
They are really well coached. So, yeah, it’s tough.
**On trying to pin Chelsea in their half …**
But you have them there. You think, now I’m going to win it. And they get out of it. And they are so good at turning. They have a lot of players … Joao Pedro against our centre-backs. They can hold it and twist the game and cause problems. It’s impressive. They are a top side.
**How important set-pieces are in the modern game?**
Very important. Chelsea are the second best as well with one less goal. Look at the talent that they have. You see it everywhere. We lost points from long throws. Lately, we haven’t scored that many from set-pieces. All our goals were from open play. But today it was necessary. We’ve done it.
And to have these kind of options, it’s great.
**On what he tells players about defending corners from Reece James ..**
On paper, on the tactics board, we can resolve any situation. When it’s live and they are so aggressive and pushy and effective, and the deliveries are so difficult to handle.
**On if his team has shown mental strength after the Wolves game?**
Well, the way we have reacted after that disappointing result has been top. Not only on the pitch, but the things that we have learned about ourselves. And I think the manner that we have dealt with that is top.
So, let’s keep going.
**On what he’s learned …**
I thought they were good and they were good human beings, and I thought they wanted to win. But the level they are in now, it’s another one, I think.
**Does it feel like the run-in is underway with just 9 games left?**
Yeah, I think we had that feeling for a long time. I think the feeling that you have to continue to win and win and win and you win so many games. And it’s still not enough to open the gap, this is the beauty and the level of this league.