Arteta delighted with significant Old Trafford win

 Mikel Arteta

Arteta suitably satisfied after 1-0 win against Manchester United

By Peter White

Boss Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal’s first win at Old Trafford for 14 years is evidence his team are on an upward trajectory, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s second-half penalty proving enough to edge a hard-fought battle with old rivals Manchester United.

The Gunners travelled to the North-West without an away win against a fellow 'big six’ side for nearly six years, but having already fallen at Liverpool and Manchester City in the fresh campaign, that wait finally came to an end against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s charges.

Alexandre Lacazette and Bukayo Saka might have scored before United midfielder Paul Pogba fouled Hector Bellerin in the box, allowing captain Aubameyang to net the decisive spot-kick in the 69th minute.

And while the result lifts Arsenal to ninth in the league, Arteta is confident his players are continually buying into his philosophy, and insists a win on the road to such a heavyweight could prove a key springboard in their season.

“I kept it quiet that we hadn’t won here since 2006,” the 38-year-old admitted, speaking to Sky Sports. “I try to generate belief and encourage the team to be themselves in any ground, and I think you saw us starting to do that.

“I’m proud of the way we approached the game and the personality we showed to play against this team at Old Trafford, and I’m obviously delighted with the win.

“To come here having already played at Anfield and the Etihad is a big task and we need to keep going.” 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Despite having comfortably seen off Dundalk 3-0 in the Europa League last time out, Arteta was impressed by how Arsenal contained a side that had run riot in a 5-0 Champions League win over Bundesliga title-challengers RB Leipzig in midweek.

While not a classic, the match featured impressive performances throughout the Arsenal XI, with Mohamed Elneny justifying his selection ahead of Granit Xhaka, and Rob Holding looking assured at the back on his return from injury.

Arteta added: “We interpreted what we had to do really well. They play a really tricky formation with people dropping into space which can be really difficult to control. I think we were aggressive and we won a lot of balls in the opposition half.

“Rob was supposed to be out for three or four weeks. He’s done immense work and credit to all the physios and the medical staff for the work they’ve done with him.

“I think Mo was also great, but it’s hard to pick out individuals. I really like the consistency we showed throughout the game, and the courage and personality we had as well with the ball.”

While ultimately winning the game, Aubameyang’s penalty held extra significance as the Gabon international ended a run of five games without a goal.

But rather than focus on his individual display, the 31-year-old - who has hit 22 league goals in each of the last two seasons - expressed his delight at the team’s impressive victory.

Aubameyang said: “It's a very big win, it's been a tough night, but I'm really happy as the team did very well.

“At half-time, we knew we had to score as we had so many opportunities in the first half. Everyone then wanted to defend after we scored and manage them well.

“The team did a great job and I'm very happy with all the boys. Everyone gave their best so I'm glad we won.”

Photo credit: Getty Images

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