Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinson believes the 2-0 win at Anfield against Liverpool was exactly what was needed to get the new season up and running for the Gunners, which had drawn blanks until then.
Arsenal went into the game against Liverpool, off the back of two-straight 0-0 games against Sunderland and Stoke City, with questions being raised about the team's ability, particularly the new signings, to find the back of the net. Arsenal answered the critics in brilliant fashion as Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla struck in each half to give their side a deserved win.
"After the two results we had, they weren't ideal and like I said before the game, if we win at Anfield, it would be a big statement of intent," Jenkinson told the club's official website.
"Maybe people were questioning us after the first two games, but we knew in ourselves that the goals would come and we've come to Anfield, which is no easy place to pick up three points, and we've won 2-0.
"We've gone and done that and shown we mean business. It's a good result and we're really pleased with it. We'll move onto the next game, it's only three points and we want to push on from here."
The 2-0 victory also meant Arsenal had gone three-straight games without conceding a single goal, a nice achievement for a club that has not been known for their defending. Jenkinson, who has filled in admirably at right-back for the injured Bacary Sagna, said new first-team coach Steve Bould had played a huge part in turning Arsenal into a good defensive side.
"Steve has come in and he's been there and done it," the youngster said. "He's always there giving us advise and tips, and we've had a long pre-season to work together and get our shape right.
"A lot of credit goes to the midfield too. If you look at our midfield, the midfield three, and the wingers, they were outstanding in their defensive duties. It wasn't just a back five, the whole team defended brilliantly and I think that's what's making the difference at the moment.
"Mikel Arteta had everything in his game (on Sunday). He kept the ball for us, he was making breaks forward. Defensively he was fantastic. I remember him putting in two or three excellent tackles and it makes a big difference.
"You need that shield in front of the back four and I think we're doing that fantastically at the moment and it's showing in our results."
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