In an encouraging display of grit and resolve, Arsenal emerged victorious against Sevilla with a 2-1 win, only the club’s 4th win in Spain.

After the match, Mikel Arteta commended his team’s effort, citing their courage, determination, and ability to control the game as vital components of what he described as “a big step” in the club’s development.

In a solid victory that saw Arsenal clinch three points at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, manager Mikel Arteta was not short of praise for his squad.

Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Sevilla highlighted the courage and determination shown by the team, qualities that Arteta deemed essential for what he believes was “a big step” in their ongoing development.

Arteta lauded the team’s performance, specifically their ability to restrict Sevilla and control the game in a challenging atmosphere. “I’m really happy,” he said.

“I really liked the determination and the courage that the team played in a stadium like this. [Sevilla] haven’t lost many games in 10 years in Europe and it was incredible to play in this atmosphere.

“It was a big, big step for us to be able to play the way we played here.”

The manager went on to elaborate: “To come here and to restrict them and control the game like we’ve done and to generate the situation that we’ve generated, big credit because it’s very, very difficult to do that.”

Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus scored the goals that saw Arsenal enjoy 2-0 lead early in the second half.

Arteta was pleased with the team’s ability to secure the win but expressed slight disappointment that they couldn’t extend the lead further.

“We missed some chances, especially the one with Gabi [Martinelli]. In the Champions League, you aren’t going to create that many, and you have to be ruthless,” Arteta added.

Though the team made the game difficult for themselves by conceding a goal, Arteta believes that the experience gained will serve to strengthen the squad. “In the first action they had, they scored from the corner and it’s game on and they can generate momentum.

“They have a lot of experience to deal with those moments and they really have to suffer and we did that really well,” he said.

In reflecting on the overall Champions League journey so far, Arteta reminded everyone that the season is still long and anything can happen. “We are on a journey still, a lot of games to play for, a lot things can happen, it shows you how difficult it is to win in the Champions League, especially away from home,” he concluded.

The win puts Arsenal at the top of their Champions League group at the halfway stage and marks just the fourth away win in Spain in the club’s history.

With this performance, Arteta’s men have set a strong precedent and look well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead in the Champions League.