Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta has revealed that the Gunners defeated Chelsea 3-1 in the Premier League on Boxing Day because his players did ‘really well’ against the Blues.

Arteta also singled out Granit Xhaka, Gabriel Martinelli and Kieran Tierney for praise after the match.

Arteta’s side defeated Chelsea at Emirates Stadium, thanks to three goals from Alexandre Lacazette, Granit Xhaka and Bukayo Saka.

Tammy Abraham did score a late consolation goal for Frank Lampard’s side.

“Right when we were coming in on the bus I could sense the energy and how much we wanted it, it doesn’t get any better than to be playing the in the Premier League on Boxing Day in a London derby,” Arteta was quoted by Arsenal’s official website as saying after the match.

“I said that today we had to take this opportunity now to put some of the performances in the past where we didn’t have the results into everything, we needed a big performance to win against this team, and we need the three points, and I think the boys, right from the beginning, did really well.”

Arteta added: “Since I’ve been here he [Granit Xhaka] has always shown that. That’s why I have been really supportive of him. He makes mistakes, like we all do, but his commitment and character and how much he wants to fight for this club and this team is unquestionable, and I think today he showed that again.

“I think both of them [Gabriel Martinelli and Kieran Tierney] were really good, really good understanding, a lot of energy, really good communication and courage as well.

“They were really positive every time we were attacking, with the runs, playing forward, they were both involved in a lot of good attacking actions, so I am really pleased with them.”

DailyPost