Diego Simeone described Arsenal as the best team Atletico Madrid have faced this season after the Gunners’ emphatic 4-0 Champions League win in London.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone hailed Arsenal as the “best team” his side have faced this season following their 4-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
After a goalless first half, Arsenal blew Atletico away with four goals in 13 minutes. Gabriel Magalhaes opened the scoring with a header from Declan Rice’s cross before Gabriel Martinelli doubled the advantage after a fine solo run by Myles Lewis-Skelly. Viktor Gyokeres then ended his nine-game goal drought with two quickfire goals to seal a dominant win.
Speaking to Amazon Prime, Simeone admitted: “Yes, I would say the best team we have faced this season. They compete so well, their players run and run and they have quality all over the pitch. They deserved to win today and I want to congratulate them.”
He added that Atletico must learn from the defeat, saying, “From 60 minutes they were the better team and deserved to win. We have to put this behind us and improve.”
Defender David Hancko echoed his manager’s sentiments, calling Arsenal “one of the best teams in the world right now,” and highlighting their strength from set pieces.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was “very happy” with his side’s performance, praising Gyokeres for his brace and work rate. “At this level, you really need to step up and we certainly did,” Arteta said.
Arsenal top their group ahead of their next Champions League clash with Slavia Prague on November 4.