Arteta opens up about win over Fulham and him reaching 100 wins with Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his delight after his side secured a 3-0 victory over Fulham, which saw them go five points clear at the top of the table after 27 games. The win also marked Arteta’s 100th victory since he took over as Arsenal manager.

Speaking to Arsenal media after the game, Arteta praised his players for their performance, saying: “To come here and perform the way we’ve done against a team like Fulham in this stadium, I think the players deserve a big compliment. With the way we played, the goals that we scored, the clean sheet and the determination and purpose that we showed today to play the way we want to play.”

The game saw Trossard register a hat-trick of first-half assists to help Arsenal secure a comfortable victory over Fulham. However, VAR denied Arteta’s side the lead when Robinson scored an own goal on 16 minutes, with Martinelli in an offside position in the build-up.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 12: Gabriel Martinelli celebrates scoring Arsenal’s 2nd goal with Leandro Trossard during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on March 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Despite this setback, Gabriel powered in Trossard’s corner moments later to break Fulham’s resolve. Martinelli then added a second with a downward header before Odegaard found a third moments before half-time. He controlled Trossard’s cross from the left before lashing his effort into the bottom corner.

Fulham were better after the break but were unable to find a way past Arsenal’s defence. The match ended 3-0 in favour of Arteta’s side.

Reflecting on his 100th win as Arsenal manager, Arteta said: “It’s great, we have to continue like that. I’m delighted to do that, unfortunately it’s not a title so there’s still a lot to improve!”

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 18: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta talks to his players during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal FC at Villa Park on February 18, 2023 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arteta has been at Arsenal since December 2019 and has overseen significant improvements in their performances since taking over. The Spaniard led Arsenal to FA Cup glory some time back and has guided them now into contention to winning first league title since 2004.

With just 11 games remaining in their Premier League campaign, Arteta will be hoping that his side can maintain their current form and secure European football for next season. However, he will be aware that there is still plenty of work to be done if they are to challenge for major honours in future seasons.

Overall, it was an impressive performance from Arsenal against Fulham and one that will give them confidence heading into their next game against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League on Thursday.