Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has called on his players to give a little more as they prepare for their final 10 games of the Premier League season. Arsenal became the first team in English Football League history to win nine London derbies in a single league season, and their latest result gives them an eight-point lead over title rivals Manchester City, despite having played one more game. Bukayo Saka scored twice and set up the opener for Gabriel Martinelli in Sunday’s 4-1 win over Crystal Palace, becoming the first Premier League player this season to achieve double figures in both goals and assists. Granit Xhaka’s great season continued after the interval, four years after he swore at his own fans when his substitute in this fixture was applauded.
“I’m very thrilled and pleased with how we started the game and how we responded to Thursday,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said. “We removed any ambiguity from it. With the way we played, we demonstrated a great deal of determination and purpose. I’m incredibly satisfied with how we played despite playing 120 minutes and losing two players [William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu]. The team performed admirably, and we now have extremely good individuals who excel at the level that we desire. But he was excellent once again tonight, and his effort, particularly in the opponent’s box, had a significant impact on the outcome. The team performed admirably, and we now have extremely good individuals who excel at the level that we desire.”
Tomiyasu left the Emirates after watching the game from the stands while wearing a knee brace and using crutches. The Japan international is set to have surgery, which will likely keep him out for the remainder of the season. It is time for Arsenal to demonstrate their depth once more in a season where important players have been absent at regular intervals.
“The doctor will examine him. We’ve already had one assessment, and another will take place tomorrow [Monday]. It’s not looking well, to be sure. He isn’t one to exaggerate things, so we know it’s serious. He was concerned right away, and we are as well,” he added.
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