Mikel Arteta was full of praise for his young players as Arsenal came from behind to win 4-1 against Norwegian side Molde.
Victory at the Emirates, secured thanks to two own goals and strikes by Joe Willock and Nicolas Pepe, takes the Gunners clear at the top of Europa League Group B and means we could secure safe passage to the knockout stages on Matchday 4 later this month.
After the game, the boss told BT Sport that he was pleased with the patience his players showed and the way his attack clicked.
On the win…
Yes, it was really important for us to win tonight and go on top of the group with a very convincing victory. The boys tried to go for them from the first minute, we went a goal behind and then it was about the reaction, being patient. We generated a lot of chances and we won the game.
On his side’s creativity…
I think we got in very good spaces on a lot of occasions. If they’d not scored the own goal, we had all the time somebody behind for the tap in. We improved a lot today our combinations in the final third, we were able to sustain attacks much better. This is what the game required. Obviously, don’t let them run on the counter because they are a threat.
On the youngsters…
Yeah, they are really doing it [the job], I really like their approach in every game, to make the difference. They don’t want to play just to be there, they want to make the difference, they are playing with a lot of personality. I’m really happy with them.
On Willock…
He could have scored more! He was all the time there in goal scoring situations, he created a few goals as well, I think he had a really good performance. Keep doing what he’s doing and consistently and his chance [in the Premier League] will arrive.
On the offside goal…
I was told that he was onside, the referee did not have VAR so we can’t complain too much.
Great result for the youngsters, you’d think maybe they should be preparing to help the team push up the table in the next 3 months.
Leno
Bellerin Holding Gabriel Tierney
Elneny Partey
Pepe Willock Aubameyang
Nketiah
That’s probably our best team in terms of form atm. IMO.
Switch Auba with Nketiah up front, and replace Nketiah with Saka and u got a team on form.
I forgot Saka!!! 😱😱😱😱
Thanks for the correction. Let’s try that again.
Leno
Bellerin Holding Gabriel Tierney
Elneny Partey
Pepe Willock Saka
Aubameyang
🤤
I’d be happy to see this against Villa. Seems worth a shot in games we are expecting to dominate.
Villa are a decent side in certain areas though. Not one to take for granted by any means.
At the time of my comment, saka gave u a great comeback. Made it from 11-2 down in the 1st leg to win 27-0 in the 2nd
I’d take that 😃
I’m impressed with Holding, but let’s not forget Luiz. He has been outstanding this season. And again last night was really strong. He had one weird moment where he thought he was playing rugby, which is still the only thing stopping him from being world class right now. That is still the legitimate concern with Luiz – the brain farts are going to happen. Not so much with Holding, but Luiz’s passing. Wow. It has been phenomenal. Happy to have options there … at long last!!!
Otherwise this is the EXACT team I’d like to see too.
Our best team in terms of form doesn’t include Saka ??
It should do. Apologies. I Redid the best team thing again.
👍
Pepe is questionable based on form I’d go with Willian based on his good performance against Man U. Pepe other than the goal and assist that masked his SUPER POOOR showing I don’t think he’s on form at all. Leno Holding, Gabriel(or Luiz), Tierney(or Gabriel if Luiz Starts inthe middle CB) Bellerin, Elneny, Partey, Saka(Tierney if Luiz starts and Gabriel starts) Willian, Laca, Auba( Auba goes central CF and replaces Laca if Luiz starts at CB and Gabriel starts at LCB and Tierney plays LWB. and Saka plays further up at LW I don’t think Willock did enough to change… Read more »
Reiss picked up a knock
Football is about goals and assists first no?
From what we’re seeing of late, I believe they are ready, but it’s up to the manager whether they feature in the PL or not. It actually saddens me to see Willian get the nod ahead of Willock and Nelson.
Would have loved to see ESR tonight…but maybe in the next game. Just don’t understand why do we have two keepers on the substitute list.
It’s a UEFA requirement!
Of all pictures…. 🤣
Midfield 3 of partey elneny and willock will be boom the boomtown charlie time!
Nelson was missing from the squard altogether today. Quite surprising after his performance last time out, and how well he links up with Willock and the other young stars.
Not in the PL and not in the Euro, what’s the deal?