The post-match press conference revolved around the fitness situation of Bukayo Saka after the win over Sevilla.
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Arsenal produced a professional performance to get past Sevilla 2-0 in a Champions League group stage contest on Wednesday night. Goals from Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka helped the Gunners register the three points at the Emirates Stadium. It was a much-needed win for Arsenal after their controversial defeat to Newcastle United at the weekend in the Premier League.
The post-match press conference revolved around the fitness situation of Bukayo Saka after the win over Sevilla. Arsenal manager was asked about the details of Saka’s injury. Arteta, quoted by Arsenal.com, said, “It was just a kick and I was told by the physios on the radio that he wasn’t happy to continue so he will have some discomfort but hopefully, I want to assume that he will be ok.”
Questioned about Saka being fouled repeatedly, the manager said, “Well, there is contact in football and obviously for the wingers who want to take people on this is going to happen. At the end he wasn’t comfortable to carry on, hopefully it’s not too much, but I’m really pleased with his performance.” When asked about Saka’s response to being fouled, Arteta replied, “I think he’s getting used to it. I don’t think that’s going to 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 is going to change.”
At times, Arsenal’s movement in the final third was a treat to watch, in particular the impact Saka and Gabriel Martinelli had on the game. “It’s the attacking players who obviously have a massive influence in what we are able to generate in the final third, but a lot of times the process has to be better at the back as well to give them time, to give them advantages and have the space and the support they need to generate those things. Today they have done it really well and obviously when that’s the case, it’s difficult to defend against them,” he stated.
Arteta also had high praise for Italian midfielder Jorginho after the midfielder produced an impressive performance against Sevilla in the Champions League clash. “It’s a joy to have him. His influence on the rest of the squad and the rest of the boys is enormous. He fits in with the way that we want to play, he’s so intelligent. He understands everything so quickly and he makes everybody else better and I’m really happy with his performance tonight,” the manager said.
Finally, Arteta gave fitness updates on two of Arsenal’s important players – Martin Odegaard and Eddie Nketiah. “They are racing against the clock to be fit and they are trying their best and they 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 we will see because we need players at the moment,” he elaborated.
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