Mikel Arteta names two Arsenal players who were really good against Chelsea

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Mikel Arteta has expressed his delight with both Kieran Tierney and Gabriel Martinelli following Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea on Boxing Day – in comments reported on the club’s official website.

The Gunners surprised many by producing a superb performance at the Emirates. Goals from Alexandre Lacazette, Granit Xhaka and Bukayo Saka made the points safe before a late rally from the visitors.

It was Tierney who set Arsenal on their way. A superb run into the box saw the left-back brought down by Reece James. Lacazette would convert the subsequent penalty.

Meanwhile, Martinelli continued to look bright. The Brazilian was handed his first league start since his recent return from injury. And along with Tierney, the forward ensured that Chelsea endured a torrid evening down their right flank.

And Arteta suggested that he extremely happy with what he saw from both players following their first league win in almost two months.

“I think both of them were really good, really good understanding, a lot of energy, really good communication and courage as well,” he told the club’s official website.

“They were really positive every time we were attacking, with the runs, playing forward, they were both involved in a lot of good attacking actions so I am really pleased with them.”

Tierney’s form throughout the season has arguably been a rare shining light for Arsenal fans. Even when he has struggled, he has tended to show the kind of passion and determination the supporters have been crying out for.

Martinelli’s return meanwhile, has proved to be exactly what Arsenal needed. He has injected some fresh positivity into their side. And now, the Gunners have a league win to potentially build from.