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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says qualification for the Europa League’s knockout stages is simply “the first step” following their 1-0 win over PSV, with the Spaniard already focused on winning Group A.
Granit Xhaka’s 70th-minute volley ensured the Gunners secured a top-two finish with two games to spare on Thursday, as they were rewarded for their patience against a solid opponent at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have now won their first four games of a Europa League campaign for just the second time, having also done so in 2020-21, and can seal first place with a draw in next week’s return fixture against the Eredivisie giants.
With group winners earning a bye straight through to the competition’s last-16 and avoiding further fixture congestion in the new year with a playoff round, Arteta knows the importance of finishing the job at hand.
“We had really good moments, and we were really dominant against a really good side,” he told BT Sport.
“I think we just lacked that final pass or shot. But we’re very happy to win the game, and we [have] qualified, which is the first step.
“In Europe, you have to control the opponent. They are very talented, used to winning and the amount of goals they have scored is incredible. We were really composed and mature.
“When you have the chance in Europe, you have to take it. The difference between finishing first and second is big, and we want to get the job done.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal and England supporters were dealt a scare when Bukayo Saka went down in the second half, but Arteta eased any fears of an injury layoff, adding: “I think he will be okay.”
After beating Walter Benitez to decide the contest, Xhaka has now scored as many goals this campaign (three) as in his previous three seasons combined, while Thursday’s goal represented his first for the Gunners to not be scored with his left foot.
The midfielder highlighted the importance of Arsenal maintaining their momentum in his own post-match interview with BT Sport, saying: “I’m so happy the ball came, and happy I scored.
“I don’t know when I scored for the last time with the right foot, maybe it’s the first in my career, but I’m so happy! It doesn’t matter which foot, or who scores, as long as we keep winning.
“It gives us confidence and onto the next one. When you win games, you have to be happy. Everything is going well at the moment, but for us it is not a surprise, we’re doing a lot of work.
“In the end, you win and lose as a team and at the moment we are very dangerous. We wanted to go through after this game and we are very happy.”
