Mikel Arteta lauded Arsenal's "unbelievable spirit" in their win over Chelsea but says his side should have managed "much more" than a 1-0 victory.
Mikel Merino's first-half header proved decisive at the Emirates Stadium, the Spain international scoring with a looping header from Martin Odegaard's right-sided corner.
That marked Arsenal's 27th Premier League goal from a corner since the start of last season, the most of any side, as the Gunners' set-piece dominance once again came to the fore on Sunday.
Merino then saw a second-half volley expertly repelled by Robert Sanchez, who was also on hand to deny Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli in a one-sided contest.
Arteta heaped praise on Arsenal after ending a three-game winless run in the competition, though admitted his side's margin of victory could have been much more handsome.
"We should have done much more, but we are very happy, and it was an important game," the Arsenal boss told Sky Sports.
"We played a top opponent and the team played with an unbelievable spirit, and now we go to the international break. The only thing we can do is try to win our matches. If we do, we are in a better position."
Arsenal's win saw them move four points clear of third-placed Nottingham Forest, who were 4-2 winners over Ipswich Town on Saturday, while Arteta's side trail runaway leaders Liverpool by 12.
The hosts were indebted to the stooping header of Merino, whose five Premier League goals this season have all come since the start of 2025 when moving to cover as a makeshift striker in Kai Havertz's absence.
His five-goal return equals his best scoring tally in a single campaign within Europe’s big five leagues (also netting five in 2019-20 and 2023-24 for Real Sociedad), much to the delight of his manager.
"We have had top players out for many months," Arteta added. "Our team has an incredible resilience. Mikel really wants to do well. He has never played that position before, but he is scoring goals.
"He is a really dangerous player in the box and he can help us. Even physically, it is a very different game to play as a nine."
Merino will be expected to continue as cover for the injured Havertz, while Martinelli impressed on the opposite flank to Leandro Trossard as Arsenal remain without star winger Bukayo Saka.
Arteta hinted Saka could soon return, with the international break offering his side a chance to regroup before their home clash with top-six challengers Fulham on April 1.
"He has a good chance, yes," Arteta responded when asked about Saka returning after the pause for international duty.
Pocilnopu
1
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂 Arteta never stop to amuse me
Buzeilntu
0
No difference between 2nd and 4th. Change my mind!
DrHalaMsdrid
0
I smell envy
Lols 😂 envy ke? What do REAL MADRID and ARSENAL have in common that I will envy children of Emirate stadium 🏟️? I am REAL OF THE MADRID …. We no Dey envy anyone or anything We Dey lead …. The rest they jump on our footprints 👣
Vozcdryz
3
We won the game that's a good point,not how we played but the result matters at this moment we need every 3 points on offer,people must know we played Chelsea not Ipswich or Leicester,this was a London derby so I take it with both hands,let us not boil on the past but see how we can struggle positively forward,we will not change the past but we may alter the future to benefit us,Go Gunners Go
Vaecimprst
1
unbelievable spirit my foot.if they play like today against madrid it will be a sorry case
Man we don't have to waste too much of our energy on this average Chelsea team. I bet you expect the big show and Madrid will suffer
sakbklouz
2
don't loud. just keep quiet. chelsae was a good team over u it just lacked single attacker. u.w9uld be mourning.
chelsea lack single attacker n arsenal played up front with what, ? dummy.. arsenal player eith their second choices and a midfielder players as no 9 n they played u guys like babies from start to the end
snoopdove
1
don't loud. just keep quiet. chelsae was a good team over u it just lacked single attacker. u.w9uld be mourning.
SmithBradshaw1990
0
What is unbelievable spirit in this match ? No trophy is at stake for both in the game Win or lose …. Chelsea and Arsenal position will not change !!! Arteta makes it look like it’s a UCL final type of match lol Arsenal as a club is like a comedian on stage ….. they act a lot for no reason
I smell envy
DrHalaMsdrid
1
What is unbelievable spirit in this match ? No trophy is at stake for both in the game Win or lose …. Chelsea and Arsenal position will not change !!! Arteta makes it look like it’s a UCL final type of match lol Arsenal as a club is like a comedian on stage ….. they act a lot for no reason
ultimategooner
1
unbelievable spirit my foot.if they play like today against madrid it will be a sorry case
tewinotuz
0
reason why also don't win trophy 😅
Viyeimosyz
0
He will fight for top 4 not for Epl trophy
Chafoh
0
Nothing unbelievable there. Your team were too wasteful - they squandered many clear goal scoring chances and you're hailing them? No wonder you don't understand the role of a striker in football that's why you don't see the reason why you should buy a world class goal scorer for Arsenal. Sad.
Chafoh
0
Nothing unbelievable there. Your team were too wasteful - they squandered many clear goal scoring chances and you're hailing them? No wonder you don't understand what a striker should do that's why you can't buy a world class goal scorer for Arsenal. Sad.
Nikadlnuy
1
but dis arteta also which unbelievable spirit was there in todays game very stupid