Mikel on convincing, effective win against Lens

Mikel Arteta said he was very happy with how effective we were in front of goal on Wednesday night as we thashed Lens 6-0 in the Champions League.

We were five up at half-time and ended the game with six different goalscorers in a classy, comfortable display against the French side that saw us win our group with a game to spare.

“I’m very happy,” he said. “I’m proud of the way the team played, how we competed and grabbing the opportunity that we had today to qualify and be top of the group. And I think we’ve done it in a very convincing way.

“We were really effective; we looked a real threat right from the beginning. We took the goal in a great way, we scored some wonderful goals today and that’s what you need in the Champions League. You have to be really good in both boxes, we didn’t concede anything apart from one shot, and that’s a really positive thing as well.”

‘Kai Havertz scored again’ isn’t a chant we’re going to get tired of hearing after he got his second goal in two games early on at Emirates Stadium.

“He’s becoming better and better, he’s more confident,” Mikel added. “His two goals, two very important goals as well, because one won us the game and today he opened the scoring. His overall contribution again was really, really good.”

Bukayo Saka also made a great impact, five years on from his senior debut for the club.

“Absolutely, and he's been on a really consistent journey as well,” Mikel agreed. “To do what he’s done at his age, playing the position and the club that he plays for, it’s a big credit to him.”

Lastly, Mikel commented on our tribute to Megs Wilson of the Willow Foundation, who we were wearing black armbands for following her passing.

“We’re sending all of our love to the family, to Bob,” he said. “Obviously, it’s a big loss. It’s someone that’s really close to us, to our family, the contribution they do as well, it’s immense. Rest in peace and all the best for the family.”