Koscielny hails Arsenal fighting spirit after Chelsea win
Arsenal closed the gap on Chelsea to three points for the final Champions League qualification spot with a comprehensive 2-0 victory over the Blues at home on Saturday.
The Gunners went into the game knowing that a defeat against Chelsea would widen the gap between the teams to 9 points, potentially ending their chances of a top-four finish.
Unai Emery’s men were under pressure to bounce back from their 1-0 loss against West Ham last week and first-half goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Laurent Koscielny ensured that the Gunners kept themselves alive in the top-four race.
And Laurent Koscielny hailed his team’s fighting spirit after the win.
“Today we needed to win. We did a mistake last week and it was a game of six points,” Koscielny told BT Sport
“If we lose, it would be nine points; if we win just three points. We are still in the race for the top four.
“It was important, the commitment was amazing from all the boys. We talked a lot and we showed on the pitch which way we want to go together.
“It is good to play like this. We want to fight for each other.
“When we talk about clean sheets it is not just about the defenders. We showed everyone working together; the strikers work and help the rest of the team. Then at the back, it is easier to win the challenges.
“It is good for our head – we can keep this [mentality] for the rest of the season.”
Alexandre Lacazette, who put the Gunners ahead with a no-nonsense finish in the first-half, further echoed Koscielny’s comments.
“This is what the coach asked us to do in the dressing room – [press] from in front. We worked, we fought all the game,” he told BT Sport.
“We are now three points to Chelsea so we are still in the race and we will fight until the end.”
Koscielny Doubled the advantage for the Gunners, with his attempted header finding the net after bouncing off his shoulder.
“I did my work in the gym,” he joked.
“We know a free-kick or a corner is always important in modern football, the small details. I’m happy to score.”
