Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta explains how he forced Chelsea to hand out ‘gift’

Arsenal: Arteta's defiant message to critics after tough season

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta revealed how he plotted Chelsea’s downfall and forced the Blues into handing over a “gift” in the Gunners’ 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday evening. Emile Smith-Rowe struck the decisive blow during the game but with a huge helping hand from Jorginho.

The Italian’s poor back pass looked to be trundling into his own net only for Kepa to somehow paw the ball away at the last moment.

It only served to find its way to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who teed up the young Gunners’ midfielder for a tap-in.

The mistake was the direct consequence of an impressive Arsenal press high up the pitch and Arteta was left delighted after seeing his side’s work in training pay-off for what was a landmark victory.

Talking to Match of the Day after the game, the Spaniard said: “I’m very pleased, we haven’t won here in 10 years so it’s very good to get the result.

“It’s a gift because we were pressing through with the right attitude and organisation so you force mistakes.”

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The Gunners were certainly made to work for the three points after the opener, with a few worrying moments late on. Christian Pulisic thought he had found the equaliser for Chelsea as he lashed home, only to be denied by a clear VAR offside decision.

The hosts then hit the crossbar twice late on through Kurt Zouma and former Gunner Olivier Giroud.

However, Arteta revealed his satisfaction with his team’s tenacity and concentration in earning victory.

“We had good organisation, moments when you come here against Thomas Tuchel you will suffer, it’s not realistic to come here and think you will play them off the park.

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“The attitude of the boys and the team was extraordinary.

“I am very happy – it’s good we won one football game so I’m happy.”

The victory represented Arsenal’s first Premier League win at Stamford Bridge since a 5-3 success back in October 2011.

Remarkably, it also represented their first double over London rivals Chelsea since the 2003/04 season.

It carried the Gunners up to eighth in the table, just one point behind north London rivals Tottenham.

They are nowwithin touching distance of a UEFA Europa Conference league place, albeit with Spurs holding a game in hand.

Arsenal have now racked up a number of impressive away wins the season having claimed victory against Leicester and Manchester United throughout the campaign.

Arteta next takes his side to face Crystal Palace next Wednesday.

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