Arteta demands Arsenal improvement despite win over Bodo

Mikel Arteta wants to see further improvement from Arsenal despite winning six in a row with a 1-0 away win against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.

Bukayo Saka's 24th-minute deflected goal put the Gunners ahead, but they faced serious pressure in the second half as their hosts pushed to equalize.

The Norwegian champions' attempts to maintain their 14-game winning streak at home in European competition have finally come to an end as their visitors hang on for 11 wins from 12 games this season.

Speaking afterwards though, Arteta acknowledged that his team needed to improve their game overall, although he said he was happy with another tense triumph.

"I'm really happy with the victory against a team that won the round of 16 here at home," the Spaniard told BT Sport.

"We were expecting a really difficult night here, and we still made a lot of changes, but I'm delighted to have found a way to win. To do this in all circumstances is a real plus for me and for the team. team.

"They're really quick and turnovers and distribution of the ball that you don't usually expect. The ball was bouncing, and it was out of your feet, and you give it away and the game gets so quick.

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"I'm happy, but at the same time, we have to improve a lot."

Saka scored four goals for the season with his winner, but Arteta wants more from the 21-year-old.

"He can get much better," added Arteta. "He had moments in the game where he was really good and then moments where he can improve and demand more of himself, especially defensively.

"There were times when we allowed their left-back to progress through the game and broke our press too easily. There's a lot of room for improvement."

Arsenal took the win despite seven changes from the weekend's win over Liverpool, and Arteta was delighted with the mentality of those he brought into the starting lineup.

“Today there were times when we had to suffer, and we lost too many duels in the middle of the park,” he said. "But the way the boys try and their hunger to win is there, and you can tell."