Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta oversaw a gritty 2-1 win over 10-man Chelsea to strengthen his side’s Premier League title bid on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners got a set-piece goal from William Saliba but then conceded from a corner kick as Piero Hincapie diverted Reece James’ service into an own goal.
MORE — Arsenal v Chelsea recap, highlights | Liam Rosenior reaction
So Jurrien Timber’s header off a corner kick — how novel! — is a huge development for the Gunners’ title hopes.
Arsenal entered the game unbeaten in five-straight Premier League matches but had drawn away to Brentford and Wolves and their record was 3W-4D-1L in their previous eight matches — much of that coming while Man City peeled off 16 of their last 18 points.
Mikel Arteta reaction — Arsenal boss speaks after gritty win over Chelsea
Tough finish: “For big periods the team performed in an excellent way. The margin should’ve been more at halftime. The way we conceded was painful but Chelsea have good players.”
How rough were those final minutes? “Uncomfortable because they have so much quality. When they use the keeper they can get out of the situation with 10 men. Sometimes that happens, you take things for granted so something to improve there.”
Chelsea’s attackers: “The players can occupy various spaces. Cole when he’s a false nine, or turning active players. They have big personalities everywhere and a really good coach.”
The challenge of Chelsea: “You have them there and think now you’re going to win it, and (snaps fingers) they get out of it. They have players against our big center backs. They can hold it and change the game. They are an impressive side.”
How important are set pieces and defending set pieces? “Very important. Chelsea are the second-best with one less goal. You see it everywhere. We’ve lost points off long throws. Lately we haven’t scored but today we did and it’s good.”
On defending Reece James’ corners: “On paper we can resolve any situation. When it’s live and they are so aggressive and pushy and the deliveries are so tough to handle... they are tough.”
Does it feel like this is truly the stretch run? “We’ve had the feeling like that for a long time, that you have to continue to win and win and win. This is the beauty of this league.”
