Mikel Arteta has expressed satisfaction with the high level of performances at Arsenal, following their 2-0 win over Olympiacos on Wednesday night.
The Spaniard made several changes to the starting lineup, withe captain Martin Odegaard and defender Ben White making a return to the starting team.
Unlike in previous campaigns when the Gunners had little quality odd the bench, Arteta has had the luxury of picking strong teams for all of his side’s matches despite various injury concerns.
Arsenal dominated the early exchanges of the match and deservedly went ahead in the 12th minute when Gabriel Martinelli slotted in a rebound after Victor Gyokeres had hit the post.
“With all respect, last season we had five academy players there [on the bench] that probably never played professional football, in the Champions League. So yeah, it makes a difference”, Arteta said after the match.
“Today we decided to change six players because I want everybody to really be involved and feel part of it, and it was great.
“We had the feeling as well that physically we were dropping because we played a really intense match in Newcastle a few days ago.”
The Greek side threatened an equalizer in the first half, but were denied by a brilliant save by David Raya.
Arsenal wasted several other chances to add to the scoreline, until substitute Bukayo Saka scored a late goal after a pass from the ‘phenomenal’ Odegaard.
“The ones that come in again, they lifted the level, they helped us to win the game, and that’s great”, Arteta added.
“Very happy. Obviously, winning the Champions League is always very complicated. Keeping another clean sheet, we make it 11 in 14 games, which is remarkable from the boys.”
Arsenal are now up to six points from two matches in the UCL and now turn their attention to this weekend’s clash against West Ham United in the English Premier League.
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