“I think we started the game so well. We created three big chances but didn’t manage to score the goal, then Ben White’s injury comes in and we have to adjust that. It doesn’t really work out and half-time we have to change Calafiori as well, another change, so it’s not ideal. But I think we showed a lot of courage with the changes and the persons that bring. I think we got rewarded because Martin made an incredible action to win us the game, apart from David’s save in the 70th minute.
“In the end, this is the beauty of the Premier League. In all this chaos and with the keeper in your box, they managed to score. The referee and the VAR today had a lot of courage to stop and analyse the action and give the opportunity to the referee to make the call. I think nobody would disagree that it is a clear foul because David has the ball almost in his hands and they don’t allow him to do that and they take advantage to score the goal.”
On the wait for the disallowed goal: “My instinct, because I watched it live, is that it was going to be a foul. But I understand and today I realised for the referees to be in that position and make that call and change the course of one the two teams, what a responsibility. What a big call.”
On David Raya’s save: “If you want the chance to major trophies, you need moments and actions and the individuals creating those magic moments and David certainly – like Martin Odegaard – created a moment to win us the game.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports: “I’m going to remember this day. A rollercoaster of emotions. We knew it would be tough, they were fighting for their lives. So much at stake.
“We started so well. Then with the injury of Ben we had to make a change and then adapt and make some difficult decisions.
“We were rewarded for our courage.
“The controversy at the last disallowed goal is obviously a big decision. I have to congratulate them [officials]. You need courage and bravery to give the opportunity to the referee to have another look at the action.
“When you see the picture there is no question it’s a clear foul.
“It could have gone either way. In my opinion it’s clear. They are the rules – we ask for consistency.
“I’m very pleased because that was a big game to win.
“There are still two games to play. We came here to win.
“The only thing that matters is now, the present. Today we’ve done it. There are two more to go. The only focus now is Burnley.”
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