ARSENAL, Arteta: "The boss helped us maintain belief"

© foto di Giuseppe Celeste/Image Sport

Mikel Arteta has hailed the influence of Arsène Wenger in helping the team to maintain their belief after a difficult run of results.

Arsenal were beaten by Norwich and then Schalke last week, before returning to winning ways against QPR on Saturday.

Arteta scored the decisive goal at Emirates Stadium, and afterwards praised his manager for helping the players during a challenging time.

“The boss was brilliant because he was very positive about the way we have to play and the belief we have to have,” the midfielder told Arsenal Player.

“It is good that in the bad moments he keeps believing in us and gives us confidence, so we kept playing as we always do and got rewarded.

“We knew we would have to play really well to beat QPR, and we created the chances but left it until the last few minutes [to score]!”

Arteta also praised Bacary Sagna and Jack Wilshere, who returned to the starting line-up after lengthy spells on the sidelines with injury.

“They both made a big difference,” he said. “Bac was brilliant going forward and in his defending, and Jack showed what he can do for the team. I am really pleased that we are starting to get some players back.”