Mikel Arteta praises ‘dominant’ Arsenal for reacting well despite ‘giving away an incredible goal’ against Fulham, as Gunners boss highlights three players who ‘changed the game’ in a 2-2 draw
- Arsenal boss Arteta has praised his side for reacting well against Fulham
- The Gunners were unable to win despite Fulham being reduced to ten men
- Joao Palhinha scored late as the win was shared in the Emirates
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has praised his side despite failing to claim victory against 10-man Fulham on Saturday.
The Reds came from behind to make it 2–1 before Calvin Bassey was sent off to Fulham.
Joao Palhinha, however, scored a late equalizer and saw the points shared at the Emirates.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the match, Arteta praised his side for their reaction to giving away a soft goal when Bukayo Saka gave the ball to Fulham.
He said: “We gave away an incredible goal from the start. You’re making it really hard on yourself. But the team responded very well.
Mikel Arteta has praised his side despite failing to beat Fulham on Saturday
The Gunners conceded late to Joao Palhinha as Fulham saved a run with ten men
Arteta’s side missed the chance to top the Premier League on Saturday
“We dominated the game and created countless chances and should have easily scored five, six, seven goals.”
The Spaniard continued to talk about his side’s performance and the late goal they conceded.
And when you’ve done the hardest part, which is to take the lead again against a team that is well organised, you have to defend your penalty area from one corner. “It’s the only chance they have and you will be punished.
“But you still get two chances and you don’t score, that’s the story of the game. Considering the amount of things we did to win the game comfortably, we finish with one point.’
The Arsenal boss went on to discuss the opening goal, with Fulham taking the lead after just one minute when Saka gifted the ball to the visitors on goal.
This meant that Arsenal became the first side in Premier League history to conced three goals in the first minute of a calendar year.
Arteta praised Fabio Vieira and Eddie Nketiah for their substitute performances
Discussing the strike, he said: “We’ve seen this situation a thousand times in football (before the first goal). We gave the ball away in a very dangerous area and it was a very cool finish.’
Concluding his analysis of the game, Arteta praised three Arsenal stars for their performances.
“All three substitutes changed the game,” he began. “Fabio (Vieira) was involved in everything we created and I am very happy about that.
“To see players with the ability to create and take risks with quality. Same with Eddie (Nketiah). It’s my fault that Fabio hasn’t played more and today he gave me reasons to play with him more.
“We need to show a different level of devotion and desire and ‘over my dead body.’ You can’t concede a goal with ten men.’