Arteta buzzing after victory against "the best team in the world"

Mikel Arteta was wearing a big smile as he sat down to speak to the press following Arsenal's Community Shield conquering of Manchester City. The Gunners came back from a goal down to win the trophy on penalties, and the Spaniard acknowledged what a relief the triumph was, particularly against a team as strong as treble winning City.

"It feels great, I don't think it gets much better than winning a trophy in Wembley against the best team in the world, and with the way we've done it - so encouraging", he began. 

Arteta acknowledged that although the Gunners had some decent chances in the first half, they failed to convert and were punished for it when City took the lead late on in the game through Cole Palmer.

"I think we had some great moments in the game, especially in the first half with three massive chances. But unfortunately when you don't put them away, you know what can happen", he said. "And we had a little error in midfield and we didn't clear the ball and the next second the ball is in the back of the net and then it's a very difficult game to play".

Arsenal kept fighting and finally got their equaliser in the 101st minute, when substitute Leandro Trossard's shot deflected off Manuel Akanji into the back of the net. 

"We made the right choices and the changes helped and the formation change helped and we kept some belief and some momentum that allowed us to win the game", Arteta continued.

 

August 6, 2023