Top 4 challenge back on? Arteta hopeful of Arsenal turnaround

The Gunners ended a seven-match winless run in the Premier League by claiming a much-needed triumph over Chelsea.

Mikel Arteta is hopeful that Arsenal’s Boxing Day win over Chelsea can prove to be a ‘turning point’ in their campaign.

Alexandre Lacazette, Granit Xhaka, and Bukayo Saka were all on target to seal the Gunners an impressive 3-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium over their London rivals – a first in seven league games and almost two months.

The result couldn’t have been more welcome for Arteta, who has faced doubts over his future. But the manager soldered on, even when the club fell to within four points of the relegation zone, and reaped the rewards for his persistence on Saturday.

Now Arteta hopes his squad can use the Chelsea victory as a springboard to kick-start their season as 10 points stand between them and a top-four spot.

"Hopefully this is a turning point"

Mikel Arteta hopes Arsenal's victory over Chelsea will rejuvenate their season. pic.twitter.com/aYMmrVzeey

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 26, 2020

“It’s a really big win for us,” the Arsenal boss told Sky Sports.

“We were really disappointed with the results – not so much the performances. Our players were suffering, our fans were suffering.

“It doesn’t get any better than winning a London derby against Chelsea on Boxing Day. Hopefully, this is a turning point. I know they can play at this level. We know how good Chelsea are but in big moments in the game we were the better team.

“The injuries, the Covid, playing 10 men…you start to think what do we need to win a match.

“It’s nice to give something back to fans because I can imagine they have been really disappointed. We started well and we were dominant. That gives the team confidence.

“Let’s carry on. We still have big things to improve on.”

Arsenal, who currently sit 14th in the league standings, will next visit Brighton on Tuesday evening.