“There’s only one Arsene Wenger” erupted from the stands after Gabriel Martinelli’s goal.
Arsenal manager was glad after club’s another Premier League victory. He was also happy with Arsene Wenger’s first trip back to the Emirates since leaving the club in 2018. He hopes the former manager will make more future visits for the Gunners.
Wenger’s appearance capped a brilliant Boxing Day for the North London club. Arsenal put a 3-1 comeback to beat struggling West Ham and they are now seven points clear of the second-placed Man City in the table.
“There’s only one Arsene Wenger” erupted from the stands after Gabriel Martinelli pulled the Gunners ahead in the second half. It was Arsenal’s 10th straight top-flight home victory and they equalled their all-time record.
“The players knew,” said Mikel Arteta, who was also exalted with a chant of his own.
“They were willing to keep it quiet and allow that space for Arsene. A very special day, thank you so much for him coming.
“Hopefully walking through the building he’s going to feel everything that he left here as well. His presence is something that has to be very, very attached to this football club so thank (him) for doing that because it means a lot for everybody at the club.
“I’ve been involved in the process (of bringing him) but it’s about him, the timing he needed to make that step and hopefully he’s going to live here and be willing to spend more time with us and be around us because he is such an influence. For me personally, in my career, the way I see the game but as well for this football club.”
Arsenal were threatened when West Ham dominated the first half with more possession. Arteta’s men had 28 per cent of the possession. They were one goal behind but Bukayo Saka struck the equaliser eight minutes after the restart.
Arteta addressed the media and admitted the victory.
“Obviously it’s great,” he said. “Winning, my mood, it’s going to be much better to speak to him and be around the team.
“So, yeah, he picked the right moment, a really special day because Boxing Day is a beautiful day to play football and I thought the performance was at the level today that we deserve, and hopefully he will like it.”
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