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Mikel Arteta heaped praise on his attacking stars following Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Leeds.
Victory for the Gunners, courtesy of goals from Gabriel Martinelli (2), Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, were enough to hand the visitors maximum points and keep their top four chances on track.
Martinelli’s brace took him to four for the season while Smith Rowe came off the bench to net his seventh league goal of the campaign, much to the delight of his manager.
‘It was a really tough week but really positive with performances and results. We must be happy today,’ Arteta said.
‘They had to play the most physical team in the league and they had to be ready. We had a nightmare to come to the hotel.
‘They [the young players] are learning and they’re making a difference in the game. The senior players are playing a big role too.
‘That’s what he [Gabriel Martinelli] can do. He’s getting a level of maturity. He’s so willing to learn. His passion in life is football. You can see that on the pitch.
‘[Emile Smith Rowe has scored] seven in the league which is a remarkable figure. We wanted him to add it to his game.’
Alexandre Lacazette led the line up front wearing the captain’s armband following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s exile but failed to find the back of the net.
However his hold up play and work rate off the ball still impressed Arteta.
‘He has a big talent – he makes the players around him better,’ he added.
‘It was a great performance from the lads. They’re the ones who have to execute [the game plan] against a team who are uncomfortable to play against.
‘We’ve had three games in a week, very physical games. I’m very pleased.
‘We had some intentions. I think the players understood the game really well. We were really effective and in the first half we were really good. I think we deserved these three wins and we’re really pleased.’
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Source: Metro Sport
