Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes his side have made a ‘big step’ in their performance after drawing 0-0 with Manchester City.
The Gunners picked up their first point at the Etihad since 2015 thanks to the goalless draw, which confirms Arteta’s side will remain unbeaten against Pep Guardiola’s City this campaign.
The 42-year-old was delighted with how his side performed, believing the next big step was made after avoiding defeat at the Etihad.
“If you don’t win, you’re never happy happy,” Arteta said. “But I think we have made a big step. We have experienced what happened here last year and we have come across in a different way.
“We have played a lot of parts of the game in an exceptional way and other parts of the game where we have the feeling we can do much better, especially with the ball in the first phase of the build-up when we didn’t have enough composure and patience to play more.
“Because after we committed some big, big, big situations to have the chance to win the game.”
Despite conceding first place in the Premier League to Liverpool following their win earlier in the day, the Spaniard praised the commitment and resolute defensive performance from his side, as they stopped City scoring at home for the first time since October 2021.
“The commitment of all the players, the discipline they have in all the defensive parts. When we were really high in the pitch trying to win the ball we won the ball a lot. Then when they break that press we had to track back, stay deep, we had to be really patient and defend the box really well.
“I think it’s 2021 the last time they haven’t scored at home, three years, that’s a difficult job.
“To come to this big place, not a lot of teams have done what we’ve done today, and especially when there is a lot at stake, you have to respond and it’s another step.
“Nothing changes. We wanted to win. Unfortunately we know the Liverpool result but we have to carry on. Still a lot to play for.”
