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Football London
Football London
Sport
Tom Canton

Every word Mikel Arteta said on Bukayo Saka injury, Reiss Nelson performance and busy schedule

On Partey's screamer being similar to Spurs goal?

“He did watch it this morning, but for sure you have to do it on the pitch, and it was a great goal. I think his performance as well, raised to the level that he should be playing, so really happy with that.”

On Reiss Nelson’s special moment?

“I think not only me but all his teammates, all the staff are so happy for him because he is a kid that is really changing, he’s really evolving, he’s really maturing. He’s showing every day how much he wants it and today he had the opportunity, and he did extremely well because it helped us win the game.

How bad is Saka injury and is the World Cup a doubt?

“Hopefully not. It was a bad kick. Right from the beginning, he was limping, but I don’t see any further than that. Let’s see how he is in the next couple of days.”

READ NEXT: Arsenal player ratings vs Nottingham Forest as Nelson stars with Partey and Odegaard stunners

Foot or ankle?

“I think both. He got kicked a few times and he wasn’t comfortable.”

Do the referees need to give Saka more protection?

“That’s for them, honestly.”

The busiest month since the 1980s, what has it told you about your squad's needs now and in the future?

“That I am lucky to have them together with me, and again especially when we lose or when we draw how united we are, how we respond to that and today I think it was a really good example.

“We know that the schedule we facing now, that we are facing in January is really demanding, so we need to face it and we want to do it in the best possible way.”

How big is the impact of the fans when we play at home?

“Huge. I don’t know the percentages, if it is 20, 30 or 90 per cent, but they transform the team. I think the energy that they produce, the support that they give to the team, especially in difficult moments. We had some examples already throughout the season, it’s phenomenal.

“The boys are really looking to come here and play, and they are really enjoying it, and this is a huge advantage I think.”

On talking to the players about responding to dropped points?

"We did. Big teams have to respond as quickly as possible. We did that after the disappointment of Thursday night. You don’t have time. We had one half-training session, and we had to be ready — not only physically but mentally - against a team that beat Liverpool and the pressure is on. We need to get used to that."

Was it a sense of relief that you scored so many goals?

"It was great. We certainly have been creating the chances to score. We have not been hitting the target enough and we have discussed that all week. Today the individual talent made the difference, they scored some fantastic goals. And they shared the goals, which I think is important as well."

How has Reiss Nelson changed?

"How mature he is, how focused he is in his profession. The way he talks, the way he reflects, the way he respects decisions, the way he is challenging everybody every single day. He is a joy of a kid. We all want him to be successful and do well. What he has done today for the team is something he really merits."

Can Nelson fill in for Saka if he is out for a long time?

"We don’t know first of all [about Saka]. The fact we have players that can contribute to winning games is really powerful. That is what we need when we look on the bench, to have players who can change the game. Today he has done it."

READ NEXT:

Bukayo Saka forced off with ankle injury amid Arsenal club doctor worry and referee anger

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Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest highlights: Nelson scores brace as Gunners run rampant in 5-0 win

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