Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has reacted to his side's goalless draw with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The Gunners went into the game hoping to avoid a repeat of the 4-1 battering they endured in the same fixture last season.
And though Arsenal had just 28 per cent of the ball, Arteta's side will be happy after managing to leave the home of the defending champions unscathed.
The Spaniard has now provided his assessment of the fixture, with his side two points behind Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table after the Reds' 2-1 win over Brighton earlier in the day.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has hailed his side after their Premier League draw with Man City
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And Arteta has praised the way his team performed, insisting Arsenal 'had the best situations' during the contest.
"A really competitive match as you can imagine. We made another big step today," he told the BBC.
"They have the capacity to change formations to get you in deep in many moments.
"They are very physical but I think we coped with that very well.
"I think we had the best situations. We were really aggressive at times and getting the ball into great areas.
"The way we competed individually and as a team was phenomenal.
"Individually you have to be at your best. I think it is 2021 since they hadn't scored a goal here at the Etihad.
"It was a really tough test for us today. We wanted to win but when you cannot win you must not lose."
Arsenal star William Saliba has also opened up.
The France international was a rock at the back for Arteta's side and was able to nullify the threat of City forward Erling Haaland.
Saliba admits standards at Arsenal are high as they hunt a first league title since 2004.
But the Gunners defender was happy with the result and admits his partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes is going from strength to strength.
“We cannot be satisfied when we draw but it’s OK, we learn from some games," stated the centre-back.
"When we cannot win, we must not lose. That’s what we did well.
"So, we leave with one point but we are not satisfied.
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Arsenal star William Saliba rose to the challenge of playing against Erling Haaland during his side's Premier League draw with Man City
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“I think it’s more in our heads because we know they are the best team in the world.
"We have to be focused all the game. We did well. We didn’t concede. We didn’t score, but we are happy.
“Gabriel [Magalhaes] is good. He helps me a lot. Not only him but all the team.
"When we lose the ball, everyone runs back.
"I think we all defend well and that’s good. We have to keep going like this.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted his side couldn't afford to lose to Man City amid their hunt for a first Premier League title since 2004
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Arsenal are next in action against Luton on Wednesday night (7.30pm).
The Gunners won 4-3 against the same opponents earlier in the season with Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice all on target.
