It may not have been pretty but Arsenal held on valiantly at Huddersfield to register our first away win in six games, and we are still amazingly in with a chance of reaching our top four target if we continue to ground out wins like that. Unai Emery was not so happy with the performance over the 90 minutes, but still praised the players after the game.
He said on Arsenal.com: “It was very important, this victory, it is three points for us to be closer to the top four, and our target is this. Knowing we need to take the regularity at home and away, and today this victory I think can give us confidence and the possibility to continue our target in the Premier League.
“I am very happy. We were working very well and every player was working and helping each other. Today I am very proud with our work, every player worked. I want more every time, because in the first half the difference between them and us was two goals, and it is not enough, because if they score one they can get more. My ambition is to want them to keep the mentality and don’t concede the position to the opposition. But I know it’s easier on the bench than on the pitch but today I think the players worked well.”
“It is game 26 and there is a one-point difference between Manchester United and us. If we ask if it’s easy or difficult for us then I think it’s difficult, but we can [do it]. On game 26 we are on our way. Our motivation is very great and every player wants to [work hard] in every match and have regularity and consistency in the Premier League in 38 matches, and now we are getting close to our target and to the other teams.”
To be fair Arsenal were decimated by injuries and a reported mini-virus so Emery’s choices were limited, but we still managed to start with a strong starting XI. The most important thing was to get the poinnts and a much needed away win. Let’s be happy with that for now and let’s hope we get a lot of players back next week shall we?
Sam P