Mikel Arteta praises Arsenal 'spirit' after win at Chelsea boosts top four hopes

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was full of praise for his players after ending a three-match losing streak with a 4-2 win at rivals Chelsea on Wednesday to boost their Premier League top four hopes.

Former Chelsea Academy player Eddie Nketiah scored twice, earning Arsenal the lead both times after Timo Werner had cancelled out his opener and Cesar Azpilicueta equalised following Emile Smith-Rowe's goal. Bukayo Saka then confirmed the victory in injury time, winning a contentious penalty before converting from the spot.

After losing their last three games, Nketiah's crucial contribution lifted Arsenal back into the race to qualify for next season's Champions League via a top-four finish. The Gunners are in fifth place, behind fourth-placed Tottenham on goal difference with both teams having six games to play, including against each other.

"It's a great night and the players deserve it. It has been a tough two weeks but you have to bounce back and show spirit," Arteta said. "I love the spirit of these players. When you lose matches you get criticised but for these players it is worth it. They are really growing."

On Nketiah, Arteta added: "What Eddie has done tonight is because of what he has done for the last 10 months and no one has noticed. I said to him I haven't been fair. I should have been playing him more."

Arsenal's hopes of returning to the Champions League for the first time since 2017 face another vital test against sixth-placed Manchester United on Saturday.

FA Cup finalists Chelsea remain in third place, but they are now only five points ahead of Arsenal and cannot take a top-four place for granted.

Chelsea have conceded 11 goals in their last three home games and Azpilicueta's frustration boiled over in an