Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta believes the players have shown that readiness and willingness to win more matches with Friday’s victory against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Arsenal produced an energetic performance that was rewarded when Gabriel Martinelli nodded in a 20th-minute opener from new signing Oleksandr Zinchenko’s headed assist.

Then Palace defender Marc Guehi inadvertently headed Bukayo Saka’s fierce cross into his own goal late on.

Reacting to the victory, Arteta stated that the winning mentality is gradually coming back to the team and they are ready to challenge for the title.

“I have had this feeling for the first few weeks since the boys started pre-season. They are ready, they look hungry, with that mentality that they really want to win,” Arteta said.

“The team came here to play the way we wanted to play – we were dominant, we were a threat, we were really lively and sharp from the beginning. Then when we felt under pressure we coped with that with resilience.

“Coming out of this game with three points and with a really positive start, it is tough to come here.

“We had some really good moments, especially in the first half, where we probably should have scored another one or two.

“And I am really pleased as well because there are going to be moments here where the game becomes really physical, they are going to put you under pressure, and we managed to deal with that.