'I've seen': Mikel Arteta makes comment about Arsenal's fans after 2-1 win over Tottenham
Today at 02:55 AM
Arsenal restored some confidence and gained much-needed ground in the title-race after their 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby.
Despite dominating the opening exchanges, Arsenal still went 1-0 down at the hands of Son Heung-min, who has often been clutch for Spurs in the Derby.
However, Arsenal rallied and Gabriel Magalhaes' brilliance from set-pieces quickly got Mikel Arteta's side level.
Thereafter, Arsenal deserved to win, and the scoreline should have been more comfortable in the closing stages in truth, a familiar tale of Arteta's side not taking their chances.
Although, it's certainly an occasion to focus on the positives for Arsenal, who gained two points on Liverpool after their 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest.
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal atmosphere was ‘one of the best’ he’s seen
Speaking in an interview immediately after full-time, Arteta also took a moment to praise Arsenal's fans at the Emirates Stadium for 'one of the best' atmospheres he's ever seen.
Arteta was critical of a small majority of fans because of how Kai Havertz was abused last week, so it was redeeming that the Arsenal manager could be more positive this time around.
READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand delivers his verdict on Raheem Sterling's performance for Arsenal vs Tottenham
Discussing the Derby, Arteta said: "I'm extremely happy. We have the opportunity to make a lot of our supporters very happy because it's the most special day of the season, and I think we've done that.
"On top of that, I think they will feel very proud about the team and about the players that we have and how privileged we are that they are representing this football club in the way that they do.
"Today was one of the best [atmospheres] that I've seen. That's what we have to do consistently, I said it in the press conference, that depends on us, nobody else. There are things that we cannot control – that one for sure we can control, so let's make the most out of it."
Arteta calls for Arsenal to attack the transfer market
Of course, Arteta was also pretty vocal about the club's need to act in the January transfer window after beating Spurs.
Arsenal have been linked with Dusan Vlahovic who is thought to be free to leave Juventus this month.
It's a difficult market for Arsenal to make the most of, especially as they'd rather find a striker on a short-term basis if they can, in order to protect their summer plans.
Arsenal have found a Vlahovic alternative, but Arteta will need to judge whether the kind of striker available can actually improve his squad over the coming months.
Ethan Nwaneri's return will be important in that regard – although he's not a striker he will certainly provide attacking quality, the kind of talent Arsenal wouldn't be able to sign this month.
