Mikel Arteta: “We have more confidence and belief now”

The Gunners completed a spirited comeback against Fulham this evening at the Emirates, with Gabriel Magalhaes redeeming himself after an awful error in the first half to score the winner.

Speaking after the game, Arteta was asked about how his Arsenal team have made improvements on previous seasons.

“We have more alternatives [in the squad] now and I think we have matured as well. A lof of that comes down to belief and confidence that you can do it and now we have that.

“I’m really happy with the performance, with the attitude and the mentality that the team showed. I think we were on top of the game. It was about being patient and believing that the goal would come, because we deserved that.”

Arteta also spoke on Gabriel individually, saying that it is “no surprise” that he was able to bounce back after his mistake.

“It’s not a coincidence because Gabby has changed his mentality. The way he approaches every day is different to a year ago. How he looks after himself every day, what is most important in his life apart from his little daughter and his family is how consistent he is every day in his habits, and how much he really wants to become one of the best.”

The atmosphere amongst Arsenal fans has been markedly more positive so far this season than it has in previous years. The manager has been vocal about the importance of having that kind of support, and did not hesitate to take the opportunity to speak about it again after today’s game.

“The support we’re receiving in the stadium at the moment makes things much easier. I saw someone here today at the stadium that I love. They haven’t been here for 2 years until today. They said it was the best atmosphere here [at the club] since Arsenal played at Highbury.”

Without doubt, the support shown at the Emirates today contributed to Arsenal’s fighting comeback. If they can continue this kind of momentum over the coming weeks, The Gunners will be setting themselves up nicely to get back into Europe’s premier competition for the first time in 6 years.