Arsenal eased themselves back to the top of their Europa League group with a 3-0 win over Bodo/Glimt. Mikel Arteta named a significantly different side to the team that beat Tottenham, making eight changes to the starting eleven.
With Premier League action the priority, despite claims from Arteta the Europa League holds serious weight for the team, Arsenal went into the game knowing after PSV’s 4-0 win they had to make a statement. It was clear with the early second-half substitutions the Gunners manager certainly wanted more.
Amongst the match were many moments missed perhaps from the eyes of those watching the broadcasts and visible to those in the ground. football.london takes a look through some of the key talking points seen from the press box.
READ MORE: Arsenal vs Bodo/Glimt highlights: Nketiah, Holding and Vieira goals ensure Europa League win
Xhaka captain’s team talk
Having picked up the player of the month award for September, Granit Xhaka completed the recovery from his Crystal Palace controversy nearly three years on. Tonight, the Swiss international donned the captain’s armband with Martin Odegaard on the bench.
Spotted before kick-off drilling the players of their expectations, the team huddled around the most experienced player on the field for their inspiration. Seven years on, now with his own song, Xhaka is a brand-new profile despite his long-standing relationship with the club.
Arsenal ruin Bodo/Glimt’s regrouping tactic
Where some teams might look at one another for answers or fall in frustration, the Bodo/Glimt players instead immediately grouped together in a huddle to discuss conceding. An interesting tactic that perhaps Arsenal’s own could look to employ this season when this side finally concedes first.
That said, Rob Holding helped Arsenal take a two-goal lead almost immediately after. The Bodo/Glimt players then immediately abandoned this post-goal tactic and trudged slowly to the halfway line… maybe not then.
Saliba and Saka respond to crowd amid contract talks
Whilst Bukayo Saka wasn’t getting the crowd off their feet in the first half with his flashes of brilliance, he was still able to get the fans off their feet. Warming up toward the North Bank, as he jogged down the whole lower corner section arose to applaud him and the winger responded with an enthusiastic clap.
William Saliba soon followed which without too much hesitation sparked the chorus of the player’s chant to ring around the Emirates Stadium, to which the Frenchman clapped along. With both players the subject of contract talk, the supporters want to make known their admiration for the pair as Arsenal have the task of convincing them to renew their deals.
Marquinhos angers Mikel Arteta
Despite the positive performance, Mikel Arteta remained unhappy with certain moments in the game. Demanding more and more of his players, the Spaniard struck a frustrated figure despite the advantageous scoreline.
Close to half-time, Fabio Vieira found himself on the right flank and crowded out. Marquinhos was seen standing still not offering an option to the Portuguese midfielder.
When the ball eventually went out for a throw after Vieira was dispossessed, Arteta went mad at Marquinhos. Shouting at the Brazilian to be alert to the situation and help his teammate.
Arteta decided early in the second half that he’d seen enough from the Brazilian and he was replaced by Bukayo Saka. What part Marquinhos will play in next week’s away leg remains to be seen.
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