There was plenty to talk about on Tuesday after an eventful, historic victory against Sporting CP in Lisbon.

In his post-match press conference, Mikel Arteta was asked about the performance, his ruthlessness, the impact of the win, Gabriel’s fitness and more.

Here’s everything he had to say…

About tonight’s five-star performance…

Certainly, especially against the opponent we played at home, I don’t think they’ve lost a game in 18 months. They were in top form, they did better than anyone they played here, so to play at the level, with the determination, purpose and fluidity that we did today, I’m very pleased.

Along the way we played…

Yes, it is true that the result is very different because of the performance, and also because of the intensity of the opponent we faced when we played against Inter. I was so happy with what I saw, and I knew good things would happen in Europe along that path. Today we were able to do that and replicate it and be even more efficient in the opposition half. And very happy because the team played with such courage, because they are so good. When I saw them live I realized how good they are.

At Martin Odegaard’s exhibition…

Yes, that was him again. I think all the guys, if you don’t have the dominant performance and the score that we managed to get in the game today, they were all exceptional today.

About wanting to be more ruthless…

Yes, because you can’t speculate and we had a period after 39, 40 minutes where we started doing that and I had to stop it because that’s the tendency that the team wants to do, to keep it under control.

We’re not good at that. Unfortunately, they scored very early in the second half and that created some momentum. But we handled it very well. Like I said, it was a big achievement, a big victory, and we are very happy.

If this is a statement victory…

Sure, the performance was there a few times and when we played against big teams, when we played against PSG, we were exceptional. Again, when we played against Bayern we were exceptional and some mistakes cost us. Now it’s Inter, now it’s this level, that’s the level we have to be at to cope and you have to deliver. Then that creates belief, and the players will be better prepared for the next one. We need that consistency because the ability to do so is there.

About what has changed since the international break…

A lot, because we trained with 11-12 players for a long time, so they couldn’t train and play and then suddenly almost everyone is fit and available. It is true that we still manage certain players, but their level is increasing. I have no doubt that we have the right capabilities, we will be a very good team.

About Gabriel’s condition…

We don’t know because he said he felt a bit uncomfortable, so I was about to make the substitution of Ras (Raheem Sterling), but I couldn’t make the sub and we had to make another one.

On Partey’s form this season…

I agree with you, I think it’s one of the best performances I’ve seen from him, especially the way he dominated the game, so that’s the level he can play at, he’s making progress. This year he has also been so consistent because he always plays a role, that’s a big thing, he’s a huge player for us.

On the key to winning…

We were so good, you have to be so good in every department and we suffered at many points in the game as well, but we were so effective and so efficient when we started attacking the position and today that was a big difference.