Mikel Arteta says Arsenal needed to grasp a steadiness between intense urgent and defending deep of their 1-Zero victory at Manchester United.
Arsenal gained at Previous Trafford for the primary time in 14 years by way of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s second-half penalty however had been dominant in a goalless first-half.
United retained the midfield diamond that underpinned their spectacular 5-Zero Champions League thrashing of RB Leipzig on Wednesday however Arteta performed Bukayo Sako in a midfield three with Mohamed Elneny and Thomas Partey that disrupted a sloppy United.
Partey, a £45million deadline day signing from Atletico Madrid, was excellent behind the energetic attacking trident of Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Willian.
“Not the whole lot [worked] however lots of issues occurred,” Arteta stated. “It is actually difficult as a result of they will change formation, they shield their gamers lots on this diamond.
“You wish to actually aggressive and press them excessive, however the gamers they’ve solely want a split-second and they’re by way of. It is who we’re and we did that actually effectively.
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“We did not have the legs to try this for the entire recreation so we needed to defend in a deeper block, however we did that in a extremely well-structured and organised approach.
“We needed to return right here and be who we’re and be that from the primary minute. I feel clearly in case you take a look at the efficiency, each participant wanted to be at their finest they usually had been. They requested lots of questions with the way in which we performed, so I’m actually, actually proud of the efficiency.
“In the previous few minutes they throw the whole lot at you and have some massive, bodily gamers with lots of high quality. Something can occur. However we defended very well.”
On Partey, Arteta added: “He was actually good, however I don’t like to talk on people as a result of all of them contributed lots. It was actually arduous to choose the group and it’s getting tougher and tougher, however I’m glad that whoever I decide, they’re prepared to provide completely the whole lot and play with lots of braveness.
“It is a huge issue for me as a result of we performed with no concern and believed in our model of play.”
