Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta tipped the Saturday 3-2 win against Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium as the loudest and the most emotional moment of his tenure so far. Arteta had taken over the reins of the Gunners back in December 2019 and hailed this win as one of the best in his stint.
Philip Billing scored the second-fastest goal in the division’s history after 9.11 seconds to give a rollicking start to the visitors. Subsequently, Marcos Sensesi was able to double the lead in the 57th minute.
However, the table-toppers bounced back after a fine strike from Thomas Partey. Ben White then equalized for Arsenal in the 70th minute.
It looked like both teams will share the spoils but Reiss Nelson had other plans as he scored with a fantastic dive in the 97th minute. With this win, Arsenal continued their winning run and they have been able to maintain their five-point lead at the top.
“It’s probably the loudest and the most emotional moment that we have lived together,” Arteta said.
“The journey that we’ve been on together and how the supporters and the players are gliding together. Adding into that moment, it’s really special.”
After losing to Manchester City on February 15, Arsenal has beaten Aston Villa, Leicester City, Everton, and Bournemouth to continue their winning impetus.
“Winning four games in the Premier League is very difficult and we have done three in a week, which is even harder,” Arteta said.
“We have done it in various ways and that should generate more belief. Today a lot of things went against the team.
“Our fault in the first [goal], then the fact we weren’t scoring, the situation with Leo [Trossard], the first set-play they had, they scored. The team still found a way to win the game and that is really positive.”
Arsenal will next face Sporting CP in first leg of the Round of 16 in the Europa League on Thursday.