Mikel Arteta spoke to the media after we moved closer to securing a place in the Champions League knockout stages with a 2-0 win over Sevilla.
The boss was quizzed on a range of topics in his post-match press conference, including Bukayo Saka’s performance, Kai Havertz’s form and gave an update on the fitness of Martin Odegaard and Eddie Nketiah.
Here’s everything he had to say:
On Saka repeatedly getting fouled:
Well, there is contact in football and obviously for the wingers who want to take the world on it will happen. In the end he wasn’t comfortable going on, I hope it’s not too much, but I’m really happy with his performance.
On whether winning was a good answer after Saturday:
I think it was more of the really good things we did against Newcastle, we didn’t need an answer because the team performed extremely well against a team that is really difficult to play against. Today it needed different demands, tactically we needed something different, we played at home, we need a different game and we implemented what we wanted very, very well, so I’m very happy with the last two performances.
On Kai Havertz’s performances lately:
For me, against West Ham in the first half he was the best player, Newcastle one of the best, and today, again he was very strong, I am very happy with him.
On the influence of Saka and Gabriel Martinelli:
It’s the attacking players who obviously have a huge influence on what we can create in the final third, but a lot of times the process has to be better at the back as well to give them time, give them advantages and have the space and support they need to create these things. Today they’ve done really well and obviously when that happens, it’s hard to defend against them.
To find the perfect balance in our front three:
I don’t know where that perfect balance is. It’s what we have, look at Gabi Jesus, I think he’s only played one game in the Premier League for us and he’s played three games in the Champions League and scored four goals. It is what it is, but to have Leo here who is so reliable and gives you something very different to Eddie and him is a joy to have, and I’m very happy with him.
On Saka’s response to the foul:
I think he’s used to it. I don’t think that will change, especially the way he plays and the way he attracts players, so he better get used to it because I don’t think that will change.
On why Takehiro Tomiyasu was replaced:
Yes, he had some discomfort in the first half and we didn’t want to take any chances. He’s played a lot of minutes and obviously has Alex [Zinchenko] on the bench ready to come in, I think it was the right decision.
On Jorginho’s performance and influence:
He is a pleasure to have. His influence on the rest of the team and the other boys is huge. He fits the way we want to play, he’s so smart. He understands everything so quickly and makes others better and I’m very happy with his performance tonight.
For the details of Saka’s injury:
It was just a kick and I was told by the physios on the radio that he wasn’t happy to go on so he’s going to have some discomfort but hopefully, I’d like to assume he’ll be fine.
On the fitness of Martin Odegaard and Eddie Nketiah:
They are racing against time to be in shape and doing their best and tried to be here today with us. It wasn’t possible and now we have another 48 hours before we play Burnley. We will try again and see why we need players right now.
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