Mikel ARTETA: “Replacing Tomiyasa while Zinchenko is on the bench is the right thing to do”

The Champions League 4th round Group B match was played between Arsenal and Sevilla on 8 November. The match ended with Arsenal leading 2:0.

After the meeting, the head coach of the London club Mikel Arteta He said the following about his players’ victory:

About repeated violations against Saka: “There is contact in football and of course that also happens with forwards. In the end it was uncomfortable for him to continue playing, I hope everything is okay, I am very happy with his performance.”

On whether winning after Saturday is a good answer [поражение Ньюкаслу]: “I think what we did against Newcastle was really good things, we didn’t need a reaction because the team did exceptionally well against a team that was really difficult to play. “Today there were different demands, we needed something different tactically, we played at home, we had a different game. “We needed it and we delivered what we wanted very, very well, so I’m very happy with my last two performances.”

About Kai Havertz’s recent performances: “For me he was the best player in the first half against West Ham, one of the best against Newcastle and he was very strong again today, I’m very pleased with him.”

On the influence of Saka and Gabriel Martinelli: “Obviously it’s the attacking players who have a big impact on what we can create in the final third, but in many cases the process needs to be better at the back to buy them time, give them the advantage and give them the upper hand. The space and support it takes to create those things. It’s a lot of that today.” They did well and obviously it’s hard to defend against them in that situation.

On finding the perfect balance in the top three: “I don’t know where the perfect balance is. That’s what we’ve got, look at Gabby Jesus, I think she’s only played one game for us in the Premier League and three games in the Champions League and scored four goals. It is, but it’s great to have Leo and Eddie here, who are very reliable and give you something completely different from him, and I’m really happy with him.

On why Takehiro Tomiyasu was replaced: “Yes, he had some discomfort in the first half and we didn’t want to take any risks. He played a lot of minutes and obviously had Alexander as well. [Зинченко] “I think it was the right decision when I was on the bench.”

On Jorginho’s performance and impact: “It’s a pleasure to have him. His influence on the rest of the team and the other players is huge. He fits the style we want to play, he’s very smart. He understands things very quickly and makes everyone better and I was really pleased with his performance tonight.”

Details of Saka’s injury: “It was just a knock at the door and the physiotherapists told me that he wasn’t happy to continue on the radio so he would be in some discomfort but I would like to say hopefully he will be okay.