The Gunners boss was delighted to see his players pick up three crucial poitns against the Blues
Mikel Arteta admitted his “heart almost stopped” before David Raya produced a stunning stoppage-time save to secure Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Chelsea and keep the Gunners firmly in control of the Premier League title race.
Arsenal appeared on course for a relatively comfortable afternoon after taking the lead through William Saliba in the first half.
That advantage was later restored in dramatic fashion when Jurrien Timber headed home from a Declan Rice corner, after a Piero Hincapie own goal had briefly drawn Chelsea level.
However, the closing stages proved anything but straightforward. Despite Chelsea being reduced to 10 men following Pedro Neto’s dismissal on 70 minutes – the club’s seventh red card in the league this season – the visitors almost salvaged a point late on.
Alejandro Garnacho’s powerful effort in stoppage time seemed destined for the net, only for Raya to produce a full-stretch save of the highest quality to preserve all three points.
Arteta was quick to underline the importance of his goalkeeper’s intervention. “David is one of our leaders without a doubt,” he said.
“He is a keeper who knows how to maintain his focus and decide a match when you need it. Sometimes he doesn’t participate at all and then suddenly he has to act and the save he made in the last action – it was an unbelievable shot and my heart almost stopped, but he kept it out again.
“It was a fabulous save, but we shouldn’t have been in that position. I try to stay calm, but we weren’t getting the dominance we wanted against ten men. Everyone is suffering and the margins are so tight, but it’s good. In March, we are in every competition and we are right up there.”
The victory continues Arsenal’s strong response to their recent setback against Wolves, when they surrendered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 – a result that handed City fresh momentum in the title race.
Since then, Arteta’s side have claimed successive London derby wins over Tottenham and Chelsea.
Arteta believes that reaction highlights the squad’s growth in recent years. “The way we have reacted to that disappointing result has been top,” he said. “I thought we were good, good human beings and wanting to win, but the level they are in now is another one.
“The feeling that you have to continue to win and win and win, you win so many games but it is not enough to open a gap. This is the beauty and the level of this league.”
Arsenal’s focus now shifts to a trip to Brighton on Wednesday, although there is a concern over Declan Rice after the midfielder requested to be substituted against Chelsea. “Declan asked to be substituted, so he needs to be checked before Wednesday,” Arteta confirmed. “He was feeling some discomfort.”
