Arteta hails Arsenal’s ‘special’ win over Man City

Manchester City’s Norwegian striker #09 Erling Haaland (C) and teammates react to going a goal down during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at The Emirates stadium in London on October 8, 2023. (Photo by Ian Kington / IKIMAGES / AFP)

Mikel Arteta hailed Arsenal’s “special” 1-0 win against Manchester City as the Gunners finally ended their eight-year wait to beat Pep Guardiola’s side in the Premier League.

Gabriel Martinelli’s deflected strike in the 86th minute settled a tense clash at the Emirates Stadium and gave Arsenal their first top-flight victory over the treble winners since December 2015.

Arsenal sit two points above City in second place as they chase a first title in 20 years after blowing their chance last season with a late collapse that handed the trophy to Guardiola’s men.

Given their dismal run of 12 successive league defeats against City before this weekend, it was no surprise that Arteta and his players soaked up the post-match celebrations on the pitch to the delight of their jubilant fans.

“It is a special one. It has been a long time since the club beat Manchester City,” Arteta said.

“We felt today could be the day but we needed a big performance from everyone and we had that.

“The players had incredible discipline, they won so many balls. We lacked a bit of threat but overall the atmosphere was just incredible.”

Arteta’s decision to send on Brazil winger Martinelli as a half-time substitute proved a wise move, with Thomas Partey and Kai Havertz also involved in the goal after coming off the bench.

“We started the second half really, really well. The subs made a huge difference,” Arteta said.

“Martinelli made a huge effort to be in the game, nobody believed he would