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– Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said it was a “beautiful moment” when Eddie Nketiah grabbed a dramatic late winner against Manchester United.
– The game looked like it was heading for a 2-2 draw after Lisandro Martinez equalised for Erik ten Hag’s side.
– But Nketiah – who also scored in the first half – netted in the 90th minute to keep the Gunners five points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Also Read: Nketiah seals win for Arsenal over Man Utd in classic thriller
– “I really enjoyed it,” Arteta told BBC Sport.
– With the pressure on Arsenal following Manchester City’s 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier on Sunday, Nketiah’s winning goal from close range was met by rapturous scenes inside the Emirates Stadium.
– Arteta added: “It was a beautiful moment at the end and we get going with our people behind us. It was beautiful.”
– They had to wait for confirmation they had secured all three points, however, following a video assistant referee check to determine whether Nketiah was onside.
– Arteta admitted even he was not sure whether the crucial goal would be given.
– “[The officials] were looking at something we hadn’t seen and we very relieved,” said the Spanish boss. “We got to celebrate twice.”
– Marcus Rashford gave the visitors the lead on 17 minutes with a sensational strike before Nketiah drew the home side level shortly after.
– Bukayo Saka then put Arsenal ahead early in the second half, and while it seemed the points would be shared following Martinez’s headed goal, Arteta felt confident his team had the mentality to succeed.
– “They do surprise me with how they react,” he said. “We encourage them to play free-flowing football and there is energy in the team and good things happen.
– “To do it repeatedly against big teams, the way we played today, gives me a lot of positivity for the future.
– “It is so tight now in the league, there are such small margins. Winning, losing or drawing, you have to be be conscious of that.
– “If we can capitalise on the energy, it will be positive.”
"It doesn't get much better than that!" 😍
Mikel Arteta praised his side's composed mentality as the key to their late winner against Manchester United 👇 pic.twitter.com/Kur0yztYGC
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 22, 2023
– As well as a five-point lead, Arsenal have a game in hand over Pep Guardiola’s City, and have reached 50 points after playing 19 matches of the season – their best start to a top-flight campaign.
– The two sides will do battle in the FA Cup next, when they meet in the fourth round on Friday.
