‘We’re dealing with it in an incredible way’ – Arteta on double injury blow and Arsenal’s win over Brighton | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta hailed the “incredible” way his Arsenal squad have dealt with continued setbacks this season after beating Brighton 2-1 to go back to the top of the Premier League.

Martin Odegaard put the Gunners in front on 14 minutes before a Georginio Rutter own goal made it two for Arteta’s side.

But Diego Gomez set up a nervy ending to the game, with Arsenal again managing to secure a narrow win.

Arsenal were without Jurrien Timber through injury for the game, while Riccardo Calafiori pulled out of the starting 11 in the warm up.

And Arteta praised his Arsenal players for their adaptability, though says the scoreline should have been more comfortable.

“Very happy with the performance, individually and collectively, so dominant, we were a big threat,” he said.

“So very pleased with all of that.

“But the margin should have been much bigger, I mean with the amount of situations, chances, open chances that we generated through the game. It should never be 2-1.

“But that’s the Premier League, that’s the step that we have to make. I think the first shot that they had they scored the goal and then David (Raya) has to make another save to maintain the result.

“But what I like is that we’re having a lot of issues, we’re dealing with it in an incredible way. Yesterday we lost Jurrien, today we lost Calafiori in the warm-up. Declan has to play as a full-back and you see the performance that he put in. So that’s the spirit and that’s how much our players want it.”

On Calafiori’s injury, Arteta added: “It’s something that he felt yesterday, something very awkward that happened and today in the warm-up he wasn’t comfortable.”

Arsenal have again struggled with persistent injury problems this season, and asked how long his side can survive with these problems, Arteta responded: “I don’t know. At the moment we survive six months, so let’s see. It’s another five and a half to go so hopefully things will get better.

“The good news as well, for example, we got Gabi (Gabriel) back earlier than expected, which is great. The medical staff have done an incredible job. The way he pushes himself as well. That’s what we need because we lost one and we got somebody else back.”