Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Sonia Twigg

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have ‘grown up’ after top-four blow as flying Gunners claim fourth-straight win

Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal have “grown up” and “matured” after Gabriel Magalhaes gave his side a comeback victory over Fulham by scoring the winning goal and extending their perfect start to the season.

Aleksandar Mitrovic won the ball off the Brazilian defender before firing the visitors into the lead, but Arsenal came from behind to win 2-1.

Martin Odegaard equalised with a deflected strike before Gabriel made up for his earlier error by bundling the ball over the line following a goalmouth scramble just five minutes from time.

In the last Premier League campaign, Arsenal only came from behind once to win but on Saturday showed composure against Fulham, earning the praise of Arteta.

“We've grown up, we have more alternatives, I think we have matured as well,” the Arsenal boss said. “Playing in front of these supporters helps because they are driving you as well and then it's about belief.

“A lot of that is about belief and confidence that you can do it and now we have that.”

Arteta insisted Gabriel wants to reach his full potential after he made amends for his costly mistake for Fulham's opener.

When asked what has changed in terms of the defender's mentality, Arteta said: “How he looks after himself every day, what is most important in his life apart from his little daughter and his family and how consistent he is every day in his habits and how much he really wants to become one of the best.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.