Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen was full of praise for after his side’s defeat at the Emirates Stadium and called two of Mikel Arteta’s players ‘world-class’.
Arsenal continued their impressive run with a routine 3-0 win over Norwegian side Bodo/Glim on Thursday night.
The Gunners were 2-0 up midway through the first half as Eddie Nketiah, starting in place of the rested Gabriel Jesus, broke the deadlock and Rob Holding scored a rare goal from Fabio Vieira’s cross.
£34m summer signing Vieira rounded off another productive evening for Arsenal when he added a third late on.
Arteta’s side have now won four successive matches in all competitions and top their Europa League group, as well as leading the Premier League.
Bodo/Glimt boss Knutsen revealed his admiration for Arsenal in his post-match press conference and hailed second-half substitutes Jesus and Martin Odegaard as ‘simply world-class’.
‘During the break we talked about how we were a bit passive,’ he told Norwegian outlet . ‘We stopped the ball and did not take advantage of the spaces we had.
‘In the second half we looked a lot more like we should. But they are not kind to us when they put on Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard.
‘Then we meet quality. It’s world class, quite simply.
‘They attack with a lot of people, they’re patient and then suddenly they have that burst in the final third. If you only defend, you don’t stand a chance against them.’
Arteta, meanwhile, was pleased to see his side extend their winning run to four games but insisted there was room for improvement as Arsenal prepare to face Liverpool this weekend.
‘We made a lot of changes and gave opportunities to players who deserve to play, he said. ‘I’m really happy with the result, scoring three and a clean sheet – but I’m very conscious we can do much better.
‘We had spells that we were too rushed and we didn’t manage the ball and it became an open game. We were really effective in the final third but the composure was lacking a little bit.’
Arteta did, though, praise Nketiah after he took full advantage of his start to score his second goal in two Europa League games this season.
The 23-year-old, who signed a new long-term contract at the Emirates earlier this year, is yet to start a Premier League match this season as he plays back-up to £50m summer signing Jesus.
‘Eddie’s work rate, his attitude and his application is phenomenal and he has a natural ability,’ Arteta added. ‘I’m really happy to have him in the team.
‘He has the quality to play as a starter and as a finisher. He could have scored a couple more so you have to look at what you could have done better.’
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