Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admits he has never seen a better Emirates atmosphere than in their controversial win over Liverpool.
The Gunners moved back to the top of the Premier League – and opened up a 14-point gap on the Reds in the process – with a 3-2 home triumph on Sunday afternoon.
While goals from Darwin Nunez and substitute Roberto Firmino twice dragged Liverpool back level, Bukayo Saka’s disputed 76th-minute penalty earned Arsenal victory.
LFC VERDICT: What Arsenal fans sang at full-time hurts most as Liverpool lose stomach for fight
READ MORE: Arsenal exposed all four of Liverpool's massive problems that Jurgen Klopp must solve
And while sidestepping talk of a title challenge, Arteta embraced the occasion as unique during his tenure.
“Thank you so much for the boys and our supporters for experiencing an afternoon like this," he said. "I really enjoyed it, especially the win.
“I’ve never seen (the Emirates) like this. I can’t imagine how much it helped the players and how much belief and confidence it gave them. It’s one of the nicest things that has happened since we came here.
“I don’t know (if we can win the Premier League). For me I’m not going to be mentioning it or hearing it from me. I’m just really happy where we are.
“Is it my best win as a manager? I don’t know. But I’m really, really happy today. In the moment enjoy where we are, and play with the courage we did in the second half.
“On the day we play our best we have a chance (of beating everyone). The feeling of winning is so powerful. I identified with the personalities that stuck together in difficult moments."
Gabriel Martinelli scored the opener and caused Trent Alexander-Arnold a number of problems down the Arsenal left before the right-back was substituted at half-time after being injured by his opponent.
And Arteta added: “Martinelli is a great player and today had an outstanding performance against a top defender and a top team. That’s the next level for him.”
READ MORE:
- ‘You cannot play like that’ - Andy Gray identifies key reason behind Liverpool problems
- Luis Diaz forced off with first-half injury against Arsenal
- Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher slam Liverpool defending as Trent Alexander-Arnold point made
- Trent Alexander-Arnold substituted after Liverpool injury blow against Arsenal
- Liverpool fans make Martin Tyler and Gary Neville point during Arsenal defeat
