TransferMarketWeb.com
Commenting upon Arsenal defeating Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta stated:
"Yes, it was a crucial moment because we wanted to go into the final day with every chance to be in Europe next season. In order to do that we knew we had to win today and wait for some results, and with the way the game was developing, we were running out of time and it looked difficult. But at the end we found a way to do it.
The change in momentum was with the things we did really well in those periods, and then when we stopped doing those things [it changed]. We started playing the game we wanted to play, the plan that we wanted to do, avoid what they want to do and then when you do that, you and in control and we had the chances and we had the dominance in the game. The moment we conceded the goal after losing the ball and making an unnecessary foul in a dangerous area, we conceded the goal and after that we just lost it. We started to give balls away, we didn't look composed at the back during our build-up and we looked uncertain. When that happens, long balls, second balls, duels, 50/50 balls, they are much better at that than us, so I think after the changes we got that control back much better, we were more composed, we played in the final third without creating much I must say, but at the end with two great actions we managed to win the game.
Martinelli is very close to a regular starting position. He needs to keep fighting to be closer and closer. We need to understand where the boys are in the phase of their development and what they have done already this season and last season. I know that we want to play with 11 academy players under 20, but guys, who is doing that? We are doing more than anybody and they are going to have the chances, they are earning their chances, it's not like we are giving the chances. They are earning the chances and it's a joy to have them with us.
Well I think you have to win the four matches to prove that you have reacted as a team. The reaction and the pain in that dressing room still hurts and that is what we are using in the final games to show everybody and show ourselves that we could have done better, but we're not going to give up and we're going to challenge to the last day to give Arsenal a chance to be back in Europe and have the opportunity again.
Odegaard? With his quality he is able to do that, and that connection with those runners from the opposite side is something he is really good at. He is finding the right moment and right time to do it, and Gabi to manage that ball - because it was not easy at all to try to control it.
Pepé's goal? You saw me on the touchline. I'm so happy. When you're able to win a game in the last minute, it's always really pleasing because it shows the team how much they want it and [how much they] believe up to the last whistle, so really good. Well, I'm very encouraged and positive to think he's settled down, for two reasons. One, because he's come a long way, in terms of consistency of what he's producing in games. Not only in the Premier League but what he's done in Europe this season. And the second one, because of his serious mindset. He wants to look at every action, he wants to look at every post-match reflection we do with him individually. He wants to work and he wants to be the best. And when that happens and he has the talent that he has, I think it's a really good mixture".
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Source: transfermarketweb.com