Arteta hails his players' determination as Arsenal fight back for draw

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised his side's belief after they fought back from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 Premier League draw at Chelsea on Saturday and keep their unbeaten streak intact. For much of the match, Arsenal's usually buoyant and confident side looked heavy-footed and slow against an energetic Chelsea team. Chelsea went ahead through a 15th-minute Cole Palmer penalty and made it two three minutes into the second half with a lofted strike by Mykhailo Mudryk. "The way the players reacted to (Chelsea's) second goal is phenomenal," Arteta said. "That's the part I loved." "The start of the game, we didn't play with enough purpose and clarity," he told Sky Sports. "We didn't win enough duels in tight areas...When we don't have those two things we become an average team. Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, who has a close relationship with Arteta after the two played together for Paris St Germain more than 20 years ago, said the result was two points lost rather than a point gained against a top side. Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino has a strong friendship with Arteta after they played together in Paris Saint-Germain more than 20 years ago. Pochettino said that he considered that his team lost two points, not that it gained a point. Chelsea remained completely superior until Arsenal's first goal, which was scored by Declan Rice, which was the result of a misjudgment by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Regarding this, Pochettino told reporters, “His goal gave Arsenal confidence 13 minutes before the end, and because we controlled the match until the 77th minute and did not lose too many chances, I am disappointed because we wasted two points.” Leandro Trossard scored Arsenal's second goal six minutes before the end, with Chelsea's defense declining in effectiveness. Pochettino said he did not want to focus on mistakes. He added, "We watch (matches) every week and there are always mistakes because mistakes are part of football. I think 90 percent of goals come as a result of mistakes by the opponent. We can only make some criticism, read the match better, and have a better rhythm and better timing. We can take risks." Because this is our philosophy, but with better decisions.” After the draw, Arsenal returned to second place in the list of the 20th tournament teams with 21 points, lagging behind champion Manchester City on goal difference, while Chelsea has 12 points and ranks ninth.