LONDON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s fighting spirit after recording a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, which he described as the most valuable achievement of the season.
“Yes, I think this win means more than any other win this season,” Arteta told reporters.
“After playing every three days – we just beat Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and play Brighton in the League Cup on Wednesday – we are up against one of the most organised teams. If we lose focus a little bit, they can punish us.
“It’s a big win. We know how difficult this match is.”
A stunning free kick by Eberechi Eze against his former club ensured Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the English Premier League (EPL) to four points.
But Arteta refused to get carried away with talk of the championship.
“It’s still too early, we’re only in October,” he said.
“Emotions are high right now but there are still many things that need to be improved. We need to recover quickly for Wednesday’s action.”
The defeats of Manchester City and Liverpool this weekend also helped Arsenal move further apart.
“It shows how difficult this league is,” said Arteta.
“Players are not allowed to use phones, so I hope they don’t know the other team’s results.”
“We’re where we should be. It’s the result of our consistent effort, but it doesn’t mean anything other than it shows we’re doing a lot of things right.”
The winning goal from a set piece situation once again highlighted Arsenal’s tactical strength, they have now recorded 11 goals from free kicks or corners, the highest in the league.
“We see big changes, new methods that are more effective,” Arteta explained.
“When you can control space better, you have to find different ways to score goals.”
Arteta also praised Eze’s composure and exceptional touch which clearly meant a lot to the player against his former club.
“He was very calm before the game. He had great respect and appreciation for his old club. The technique he showed for that goal was amazing. We need something special to beat a team as organised as them,” he said.