Mikel Arteta spoke to BT Sport after the 3-0 win over Bodo/Glimt this evening. Here’s what he had to say.
Thoughts on the win and performance …
Really happy obviously with the win, six points now with a clean sheet, and the way we attacked the box when we got there.
But in general, we lacked a little bit of connection today between the players, too many simple things, too many giveaways. We weren’t that consistent and dominant throughout the game.
Does lack of connection come from a shuffled team …
Of course, we made 8 changes, and there a lot of players that haven’t played a lot of minutes. You can feel that in the coaching, what to do and when to do it, and the timing sometimes is missing. You can notice that, but attitude-wise, no issues.
What did you learn about Bodo/Glimt tonight?
Not much because I saw four games of theirs and I said in the press conference I was impressed with the way they played. I told the players you are going to have to run a lot after the ball because they’re a team that the tools and the quality to do it, and at times today they showed that.
Three goals, but three great assists …
Yes, in the final third we looked really dangerous. Every time we got into these positions we were a threat, and the goals were good goals.
Did you make subs to change the momentum after Bodo began 2nd half well?
Yeah, a few players were suffering a little bit from the intensity of the game, but it’s normal, but we planned to make the subs at the right time.
It was a very Europa performance… The stars holding back a bit, the youngsters trying too hard to impress and not playing with the team, the fringe players looking rusty.
The stars playing with their handbrake on, you mean?
Given the scoreline, maybe it was only a little bit handbrake? 🙂 :’-D
I don’t know because I did not see ze incident
I hear you but I say this augurs well for Sunday. We will be eager to get back to our usual free flowing best. Let’s win lads. I believe. COYBG!!!
Bodo did play a lot better than the tiny Totts did Saturday past. Imagine what Knutsen would do with more quality players! Can see him moving to a top European team soon.
100% gotta put respect on them for actually coming and trying to play ball, I know manager’s like Conte get results but fuck having to watch some of that week in week out. Knutsen looks like he deserves the Brighton job to be fair.
It’s a wandering daughter job.
Thank you for this. The Dude abides.
Bask friends. Bask and do not think about how long this lasts. Just bask.
Cliff Baskin
Marco Van Baskin
High standards gaffer. Love it