"We certainly want it" – Arteta outlines title ambitions after thumping Palace

Yesterday at 03:24 PM

Mikel Arteta heaped praise on his players as Arsenal dismantled Crystal Palace for the second time in a week, securing a commanding 5-1 victory at Selhurst Park to temporarily narrow the gap on league leaders Liverpool to three points.

Fresh from scoring a hat-trick against the Eagles on Wednesday, Gabriel Jesus scored twice in an eventful first half that saw the Gunners pegged back by Ismaila Sarr before Kai Havertz extended the advantage.

Despite losing Bukayo Saka to injury in the first half, the visitors continued to look dangerous when they piled forward and raced out of sight after the break thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s tap-in and a curling effort by substitute Declan Rice.

It was the sixth time this year that the Gunners netted five goals away from home in the Premier League – a new record that the manager was delighted to talk about.

Facing questions from Sky Sports, he said: “It’s always really tough to come here against this team, playing them twice in three days makes it trickier but we started the game really well, then we had a period with a bit of doubt, then got control, dominance in the game and we were very clinical in our actions.

“I’m very happy to score five away from home in the Premier League. I don’t know how many times we’ve done it in the calendar year but quite a lot. It’s remarkable.

“In front of goal and the way we approach games away from home as well, it tells you everything about the team, their hunger, their desire, their dominance and how we want to play. Hopefully, being owners of these records they are going to give us the big things we want to achieve.”

While Liverpool have two games in hand on the Gunners, this evening’s win certainly turns the heat up on Arne Slot’s side as they prepare for tomorrow’s game at Sp*rs. For Arteta, after two draws, it’s a timely boost that once again underlines his side’s title ambitions.

“We certainly want it [the title] but we have to show it for 10 months,” said Arteta.

“The demands are incredible. To play every three days for 12, 13 weeks like we are demanding is absolutely crazy. We are trying our best but unfortunately, today, again, we lost players [to injury], it’s happening to every team, but we’re certainly trying.

Pressed on whether his side are now in a title race, he said: “We’re not even half way but we’re going to try certainly. For us, it’s on.”

He added: “We’ve done the job, we’re in a really good run at the moment, even though we drew two games in the Premier League that we fully deserved to win. It’s about the next one. That’s it. I’m going to enjoy more my Christmas now with my family because when you win, it’s always better.”

Arteta also had high praise for Gabriel Jesus, who rewarded his manager’s decision to start him with another impressive brace.

“He’s certainly clicked and he needed that, to unlock that mentally, his confidence. He’s done it, he’s scored five goals in two games, it’s not easy in football, he’s done it in a great way. Let’s continue.”

There wasn’t much of an update on Saka’s injury, but the player was in visible distress holding the back of his right leg as he spoke to the medical staff. In all likelihood, he’s facing a spell on the sidelines which isn’t ideal given the number of games coming up.

“I don’t know [how serious it is],” said Arteta. “He had to come off, he felt something. It’s not good news, we have to assess him and wait.”

The post “We certainly want it” – Arteta outlines title ambitions after thumping Palace appeared first on Arseblog News - the Arsenal news site.