Arsenal took further control of their Europa League group as they did enough to beat Bodo/Glimt 1-0 in Norway.
Bukayo Saka’s fortunate first-half finish moved the Gunners to nine points from their opening three group-stage matches, leaving them well on course to wrap up top spot with time to spare.
It’s now six wins in a row for Arsenal across all competitions, with the club’s momentum both domestically and in Europe showing no signs of slowing down.
Arteta named a stronger side than expected, with Martin Odegaard starting on his return to Norway and Saka and William Saliba among those also involved from the off.
The Arsenal boss was rewarded with a controlled first-half display, though the opening goal came in fortuitous fashion. Saka cut inside off the right, played a nice one-two with Albert Sambi Lokonga and found the back of the net with his face after his initial shot was blocked.
Bodo’s first and only opportunity in the opening 45 minutes fell to Amahl Pellegrino and he was clean through after a long ball beat Rob Holding, but his finish was a wayward one.
Runar Espejord and Ola Solbakken both had real chances to equalise after the break as the hosts made a flying start to the half, though neither were able to keep their efforts on target.
That charge was almost inevitable, from a side that went into the match having won their last 14 European matches on home soil.
Wastefulness in front of goal cost them though, as Arsenal showed a more mature side to see out the match and continue their serene progress in Group A.
