Arteta: Man City victory feels like a big win

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaking says Sunday evening’s 1-0 defeat of Manchester City feels like a big win.

“So proud. It was the moment with the right people and the right players. We knew we would have to suffer and we did that. You need a big performance and the crowd too. It feels like a big win.

“I think the way we started we conceded the corner and then we gained some control and in the second half we started really good. We were there and really aggressive. The changes helped as well. The quality they produced in the goal was top.

“[City] give you a lot [of problems] and we gave them a lot of issues as well. It is not easy to get out. You need the right timing, the right movement, the right moments. I like the courage.

“You are going to have these [hard] moments against this team. You have to be direct and managed the emotions and make sure you don’t get caught against this team,’ he told Sky Sports post match.

On David Raya: “I think he was excellent. The way he controlled the ball. How dominant the was and how high he played. I love players with courage and David certainly has big ones.

On Martinelli: “Another player with big ones too. The physios weren’t having it and he said ‘I am ready to go’. Leo got injured and I looked to him and he was already ready to go.”

On the win: “It is just part of the journey. You learn from every defeat. But the team is so willing. It is a joy to work with them. We have to live this moment we have to carry on.”

On the Kovacic foul in the first half: “I have seen the action but it is in the past and luckily we won.”