Mikel Arteta acknowledged that Arsenal, currently atop the Premier League, were "overwhelmed" by their emotionally taxing 3-2 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday.
In a stunning comeback victory over mediocre Bournemouth, Arteta's team overcame a two-goal deficit to maintain a five-point lead over second-place Manchester City.
The Gunners haven't overcome a two-goal deficit to claim a victory in a league match in more than ten years.
Before Reiss Nelson, a late-arriving substitute, scored in stoppage time, Thomas Partey and Ben White had made it 2-2.
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"Everyone is exhausted. With that routine, it was lunacy from the beginning, and our defence was horrible", Arteta added.
"Then, up against ten guys behind the ball, we had to scale a mountain. Despite our efforts, we couldn't score, and now we are down 2-0 after a set play".
Philip Billing gave Bournemouth the lead with the second-fastest goal in Premier League history, turning home with just 9.11 seconds remaining.
At the Emirates Stadium, Marcos Senesi doubled the lead right after the half, but Arsenal responded with a victory that might be a turning point in the title battle.
Nelson, 23, who has suffered a thigh injury since November 12 and whose contract expires this summer, made his season debut off the bench.
Nelson told reporters, "It's been a tough few months for me, just coming back from injury, and when that goal went in, it was an incredible moment for me".
"I have lived here my entire life. I appreciate it. The strike was outstanding. The objective makes me happy, and I hope it's the first of many".
With the crucial final kick of the game, Nelson scored a spectacular 20-yard winner after assisting White's equalizer, giving Arteta a selection headache.
"I've always seen the opportunity (of Nelson). He has the talent and drives to succeed, but his current capabilities differ. I believe that his experiences benefitted him emotionally", according to Arteta.
Football-wise, I decided not to start him in the past two games since we had other choices.
"But, he was banging on the door. He's been working out incredibly well, which is a fantastic lesson for myself and the coaches about how essential he can be to the team and how much we need him".
