Riccardo Calafiori believes Arsenal have sent a “clear message” of intent to Manchester City ahead of their Premier League title rivals’ pivotal clash against Everton.
Arsenal extended their lead from three points to six with an emphatic 3-0 win over Fulham prior to City’s fixture against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday.
Mikel Arteta’s players delivered possibly their best performance of the season so far with Viktor Gyokeres scoring either side of Bukayo Saka’s strike in a ruthless first-half display at the Emirates Stadium.
The games continue to come thick and fast for Arsenal with the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid at the Emirates on Tuesday. The last-four tie is evenly poised following a 1-1 draw in Spain last week.
“It was a clear message,” said Calafiori, who had a goal disallowed for offside. “The crowd was good, the atmosphere was unbelievable. It was a huge moment, good for confidence and when we do things well, there’s not many teams that can beat us. That’s the key.
“But we have to take it step-by-step because on Tuesday we have a massive game and we are focusing on this game, too. We are fighting for everything at this moment. It is the most important part of the season and we have to be ready.”
Saka returned to the starting line-up for the first time since Arsenal’s defeat to City in the Carabao Cup final on March 22 following an Achilles injury, and he was the inspiration behind his side’s statement win.
Saka provided Gyokeres’ ninth-minute opener and then doubled Arsenal’s advantage with a fine finish in the 40th minute.
He was withdrawn at the interval to ensure he is firing on all cylinders for this week’s second leg as Arsenal bid to secure their first Champions League final in 20 years.
And Calafiori continued: “You saw what he (Saka) did (against Fulham). He still needs to find his form back again, but he’s an unbelievable player and we want everyone available.
“He’s one of our best players and he’s going to help us a lot. I’m pretty confident of that.”
