Mikel Arteta urged Bukayo Saka to ‘demand more of himself’ and ‘improve defensively’ after Arsenal’s victory over Bodo/Glimt.
England forward Saka scored the only goal as the Gunners clinched their third successive win in this season’s Europa League.
Bodo/Glimt came into the game with a 14-game winning streak at home in Europe but were wasteful in front of goal and failed to respond to Saka’s first-half opener.
after Arsenal continued their winning run in Norway but Arteta was not totally satisfied with his performance.
Asked if the Arsenal goalscorer is getting ‘better and better’ this season, Arteta said: ‘Yes, but again he can become much better.
‘He had moments in the game where he was really good and then moments he can improve and demand more of himself, especially defensively.
‘There were moments where we allowed their left full-back to progress the play and break our press too easily. There a lot of things to improve.’
Arsenal have enjoyed a sensational start to the season, climbing to the top of the Premier League after winning 11 of their first 12 games in all competitions.
On Arsenal’s latest victory, Arteta added: ‘I’m really happy with the win against a team that has won the last 14 games here at home. It’s not a coincidence.
‘We were expecting a really tough night here and we made a lot of changes again but I’m delighted to find a way to win. To do that under any circumstances is a real positive for me and the team.
‘They are really fast and the turnovers and giving away of the ball that you don’t usually expect. The ball was leaping and it was out of your feet and you give it away and the game becomes so fast.
‘I’m happy, but at the same time we have to improve a lot.’
Premier League leaders Arsenal return to action on Sunday against Leeds United, who have not won in five matches.
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