Every word Mikel Arteta said on Smith Rowe performance, Saka injury and Arsenal title race

It was a risk to make changes. How do you think Smith Rowe and Nelson played?

I don't know. I look at my players and squad in a different way. It's a joy to have them fit. If we want to utilise the squad and maximise what we have, they have to play. I thought it was the right moment to do that and they responded really well. I'm so happy for that because I think we have won again with a few players in good confidence and with rhythm right now. They're going to be really important for us.

Did you want to give those changes rhythm for the run in by starting them tonight?

For sure. When they have their moment they have to take it. They certainly did today. They give me every reason every day, regardless of the result. It's not the right decision or the wrong one because of the result. If we'd lost the game then it would have been because of the changes. It's not as simple as that. At the end of you have to do what is right and what they deserve. I was full of confidence that they would respond. Winning or not winning it's a different story in football.

Klopp said he wasn't aware Arsenal and City were playing tonight. What's your approach?

I knew. I knew Man City were playing tonight! He's won a lot so maybe that's for him. I know they are playing tomorrow against Sheffield at home and we will be watching it because I love to watch top teams play and that's what I do.

How important is it to be top even if it’s just for 24 hours?

Yeah for sure. That means that we are there. We are really close. We are showing a lot of consistency to be where we are. Now that's it. Sleep, eat, prepare well. Now it's Brighton.

How much stronger is your squad than last season?

It's certainly different to what we had last season and the big injuries