Mikel Arteta Praises Arsenal Stars After Crushing 4-0 Win Over Atletico Madrid

Spanish coach, Mikel Arteta couldn’t hide his delight after watching Arsenal dismantle Atletico Madrid 4-0 in their Champions League clash at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

After a frustrating first half where the Gunners dominated without scoring, they erupted in the second period with a ruthless attacking display.

Gabriel Magalhães set the tone with a towering header from Declan Rice’s pinpoint free-kick. Moments later, Gabriel Martinelli doubled the lead with a sharp finish before Viktor Gyökeres struck twice to round off an emphatic victory.

Arteta was quick to praise his players, singling out Myles Lewis-Skelly, Martinelli, Gyökeres, and Rice for their impact.

“That’s him, that’s his quality,” Arteta said when asked about Lewis-Skelly’s assist. “The way he carries the ball, the ability he has to release the ball in the right moment. Martinelli as well, I thought he was superb today. It’s really good to see the impact they had on the team.

“[I am] delighted [for Gyökeres] as he fully deserved it. The work rate he brings to the team is outstanding. [Rice’s set-piece delivery] was superb. We could have scored in the first half, but [we] have that ability to score those types of goals.”

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone was gracious in defeat, admitting Arsenal were simply the better side. “I would say the best team we have faced this season,” he told Amazon Prime.

“They compete so well, their players run and run and they have quality all over the pitch. They deserved to win today and I want to congratulate them.”