• Premier League

We've learned from last season, say Wenger and Flamini

ESPN staff
August 23, 2014
Olivier Giroud's late equaliser is evidence that Arsenal's mentality has changed, claims Mathieu Flamini © PA Photos
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes desire and resilience earned his side a late point in their 2-2 draw with Everton on Saturday, while midfielder Mathieu Flamini believes his team-mates have learned from last season's shortcomings.

Olivier Giroud's stoppage time header completed a superb second half comeback for Arsenal, who turned around a two-goal deficit to leave Merseyside with a share of the spoils.

"We have a great response with complete desire to come back and the spirit was fantastic," Wenger told Sky Sports.

"In the end we got back to 2-2 and we got a strong point but a deserved one if you look at the chances we had, especially in the second half. We came back very late but our spirit got us a point.

"It shows the belief and the resilience is there. The second goal was offside but we took it on the chin and came back."

Flamini recognised Arsenal's record against top five sides - particularly away from home - effectively ended the club's Premier League title challenge last season, but the Frenchman was quick to point out their change in mentality.

"We'll say it's a great performance because we were 2-0 down. It was great spirit from the boys because it was not easy," Flamini said.

"At half-time the manager said there was space to create opportunities and we believed we could do it.

"We have learned a lot from last year from when we were playing against these top teams. We didn't give up until the last second and that was important. This is a game to remember for us."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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