There was plenty for Mikel Arteta to be pleased about after Tuesday’s 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest.
Second-half goals from Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka led us to a deserved victory on the road, a win set up by a fine all-round team performance.
“I think everybody was at a really good level,” Mikel told Arsenal.com at full-time.
“I’m really pleased with Emile as well because it’s been a long time since he had an opportunity to start a game. He’s been training really well, really sharp.
“Gabby as well, because he had a slight problem in his knee and in the last two days, he was pushing every physio and myself to be out there with the team. He looked really sharp and he helped us to win the game.”
Smith Rowe was making his first Premier League start since October 2023. So what impressed the manager about his display?
“That he went for it, that he was free, he was flowing, he was moving, he was participating, his body language was good - he’s just a beautiful footballer to watch,” Mikel said.
“I’m really pleased because he was really connected with the team and I thought he played the game in a really good way.”
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