For the first time since 2013, we have recorded three successive away clean sheets in the Premier League – and the players had to give everything for this latest shut out.
The hosts dominated possession for much of the game after Emile Smith Rowe’s opener, but the new-look back three, behind a well organised midfield, frustrated Chelsea all evening. And when the hosts did break through, they found Bernd Leno in excellent form.
It all made for pleasing viewing for the boss, here’s what he told Arsenal Media after the game:
on the performance…
Great win. It shows how tough it is to come here and win against a fantastic team. I think what Thomas is doing is great. They have so much quality, really good organisation and make it really difficult for you. From the beginning, we showed that we were coming here to try to win with the right spirit, with the right attitude, we showed moments of real quality as well. We got the goal and then we had to defend in long periods. To do that, you have to be really committed and resilient. We needed some luck and we had it tonight.
on Emile Smith Rowe stepping up to score more…
Yes, he did it. Pressing really high, and the commitment that those players put in to try to be as high as possible and try to create difficulties, he got rewarded.
on how the team adjusted to a new formation…
Very good. We did it just with the purpose to be better, to make the game much more even and difficult for the opponent. I think we have managed to do that.
on the clean sheet…
It's really difficult because not many teams manage to do that here. I think we had some really good moments in our high press, and when we had to defend deep I think we had some incredible organisation and really big individual performances there. Then, there's a moment when we needed some luck and we had some luck.
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