Mikel Arteta was pleased with the performance from Arsenal as the Premier League leaders came from behind to beat West Ham on Boxing Day.
Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to seven points with a 3-1 win at the Emirates, with a second-half fightback securing all three points in north London.
Said Benrahma’s penalty had handed struggling West Ham a first-half lead, but Arsenal bounced back after the break and Bukayo Saka levelled the scores from close range.
Gabriel Martinelli put the home side ahead with an effort inside Lukasz Fabianski’s near post, before Eddie Nketiah made the points safe with a sharp turn and finish inside the area.
“It is a really special day because Boxing Day is a beautiful day to play football and I thought the performance was at the level today that we deserve,” Arteta said following the win, as per the BBC.
“Hopefully he [Arsene Wenger] will like it.”
Arteta’s comments on Wenger came as the club’s former manager made his first return to the Emirates since stepping down from the role in 2018.
The three-time Premier League title winner was given a rapturous reception at the Emirates and Arteta outlined his hope that the Frenchman will return on a more regular basis.
“His presence is something that has to be very, very attached to this football club so thanks [to him] for doing that because it means a lot for everybody at the club,” Arteta said.
“Hopefully he is willing to spend more time with us and be around us because he is such an influence.”
