Freddie Ljungberg revealed just how low the Arsenal players were in morale before the 1-3 victory over West Ham United.
The Gunners finally ended their 9-game winlesss streak with a comeback victory at London Stadium.
Angelo Ogbonna struck first for the hosts ahead of the half time whistle but Arsenal rallied back through their front three. Gabriel Martinelli equalised with a sweet guided finish and then Nicolas Pepe showed everyone why Arsenal had paid £72m to get him. The Ivorian thumped in a curling strike to give Gunners the lead. He then assisted Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for the third, sealing all three points on the road.
Ljungberg told Sky Sports, “I don’t think any of us can really imagine [how hard it has been]. They’ve been low but you could see in the dressing room how relieved they are. We’ve still got a lot to work to do. We’ll enjoy tonight and return to work tomorrow.
“It means so much for the players and I’m delighted for them. They’ve been playing under immense pressure. I could feel West Ham getting tired and our passing was getting crisper. We sliced through them and the result is amazing.
“Football throws a curve ball at you all the time and the players responded. They worked so hard, and in the Premier League you have to. It’s all down to the players – I’m just there to guide them a little bit.”
“Nicolas is an amazing footballer, but it’s not easy to come from the French league,” Ljungberg added. “He was really tired at the end and worked his socks off. He’ll get better and better.
“We had a similar style in the second half as we did in the first but it was a lot slower. Of course, it’s a great feeling and it’s a lot nicer feeling to win than to lose but we won’t get carried away.”
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