Mikel Arteta says the 5-1 win over Hull City could prove crucial in the hunt for a European place at the end of the season.

The Spaniard scored twice in the emphatic victory at Goodison on Sunday.

And the midfielder says the result may be the key to Europa League football next season.

"To score a lot of goals could be really important when it comes to goal difference at the end of the season," Arteta said.  "But it was also important for us to put on that kind of performance.

"We have been playing well but we had a couple of bad results against Sporting and at Spurs we could have won. 

"We knew we had to get back to winning ways," Arteta continued.  "We want to fight for the European spots.  We have got ten games to go now and we are ready for it."

After 11 months out on the sidelines recovering from knee surgery, Arteta was thrilled to once again see his name on the score sheet just six weeks on from his return to action.

"It feels really good to get the goals," the Spanish star explained.  "The manager gave me more freedom against Hull to play closer to the strikers so I had chances to get in the box and score a few. 

"I think I could have scored more too!  I am going to claim the third goal but I don't know if they are going to give it to me."

Arteta still believes European football is within the Blues’ grasp and has urged his teammates to fight until the final whistle of the season.

"We have to be really strong at home now and also look to score away,” he added.  “Let's go game by game, but it is up to us now."

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WE WANT TO FIGHT FOR EURO SPOT...

Posted by: The Nark End (IP Logged)

Date: 09/03/2010 08:39

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