Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Arteta shocked by Arsenal moment that was the ‘last thing’ he expected; labels difference maker ‘outstanding’

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta was taken aback by one of the goals in Arsenal’s victory over Bournemouth, and labelled a new signing “outstanding”.

Arsenal cruised to a 3-0 victory at Bournemouth to take top spot and continue their 100 percent start to the season. The gulf in class between the two sides was evident in a first half that saw Arsenal go two up inside 11 minutes.

Martin Odegaard scored both goals, but the true hero for his first was Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian outmuscled Cherries defender Marcos Senesi before plucking a high ball out of the air.

Jesus then embarked on a mazy run that left three players in his wake before showcasing superb vision to pick out Gabriel Martinelli. His shot was parried into the path of Odegaard who tucked home the first of his brace.

William Saliba put his own goal against Leicester last weekend firmly to bed when scoring a sublime third after the break.

The young centre-half whipped a first-time effort from outside the area in off the crossbar. Even more impressive was the fact the shot came via his weaker left foot.

The Gunners could’ve run up the score even further late on, though a lack of clinical finishing and the offside flag ensured the lead remained three.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Arteta was asked how close that came to the perfect performance.

“It’s still far,” admitted the Spaniard. “We had very strong periods and were very efficient in the opponent’s half.

“But in the second half we conceded too many chances for Bournemouth to put the ball in our box, and then you’re going to suffer.

“I’m proud because it’s not easy to come here and win 3-0, but there’s obviously things to improve.”

“Outstanding” Jesus making a difference each week – Arteta

On Jesus’ involvement for the opener, Arteta said: “Those individual actions make a difference in football and Gabriel is doing that week in week out.

“He didn’t score today but he was involved in the goals and his contribution to the team was outstanding.”

When asked if even he is surprised at how good Jesus has been, Arteta paused for a moment before saying: “He’s still [only] 25-years-old so he can still improve.

“He’s hungry enough and he’s got a huge desire to get better and better and be the best he can be. That’s what he needs to do.”

Why is this season different to last?

This time last year Arsenal were bottom of the table with three defeats from three and a negative nine goal difference.

On why it’s a different story this season, Arteta joked: “In football, winning makes life completely different.

“We’re on a good run, the atmosphere is good, the unity around the club is incredible. This is all really helpful.”

Arteta then heralded new signing Oleksandr Zinchenko before being asked if he knew Saliba had a finish like he produced in his locker.

A clearly buoyant Arteta laughed before adding: “For sure that’s the last thing I would expect, but credit to the boy for the way he is playing, he’s performing.”

Finally, the subject of further moves in the market was broached. Nicolas Pepe was left out of the squad as a loan exit to Nice ramps up.

Arsenal reportedly hope to sign a high profile winger once the Ivorian departs, and Arteta admitted they’ll continue trying for more impactful signings before the September 1 deadline.

“We will try to the end,” he continued. “The transfer market is tricky at the moment but we would like to do something else. Let’s see what we can do.”

“We dominated” – Odegaard

Double goalscorer Odegaard also spoke to the press, telling Sky Sports: “It was really solid from start to the end. We came out and dominated, made some good chances and scored some good goals.

“We know it’s always difficult coming to these places. We’ve struggled before but we were so sharp and aggressive. It was a good performance from start to finish.”

On new signing Jesus who has been nothing short of sensational since arriving, Odegaard added: “He is not just about goals.

“He gives us so much in the play and he drops down to combine. He is brilliant and he is amazing to play with. We are lucky to have him here.”

On three wins from three, the playmaker concluded: “Compared to last season we are a little bit ahead but we have to stay calm and we have to stay humble and see where it takes us.”