Arteta urges Arsenal star performer to 'become much better' as he has 'a lot to improve'

Mikel Arteta is keen for Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to 'become much better' as the England international still has 'a lot to improve'.

Saka made the difference for the Gunners on Thursday night by scoring the winner in their 1-0 win over Bodo/Glimt.

Arsenal won 3-0 when the two teams met last week at the Emirates. But the Norwegian team is much stronger at home.

Before this game, Bodo/Glimt had won their last 14 home games, but Arsenal had done enough to end that impressive streak.

Arteta's side are one game behind their rivals, but they are still top of Group A having collected maximum points in their three outings.

The Gunners have now won 11 of their 12 games so far this campaign as they also lead the way in the Premier League.

Arteta said after the match that he was "delighted" with the victory, but he pointed out some flaws in Saka's performance:

"I'm really happy with the win against a team that has won the last 14 games here at home. It's no coincidence," Arteta told BT Sport.

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

"They're really quick and turnovers and ball drops 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 fast. I'm happy, but at the same time we have to improve a lot."

When asked if Saka is getting better, Arteta added: "Yeah, but again he can get a lot better.

"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."

On their Europa League form helping their Premier League hopes: "It's two different competitions and approaches.

"You can see the control, the demands and the amount of shots the teams produce in Europe, it's very different but we're adapting to that and overall I'm happy with how we're doing."< /p >

On Arsenal winning while rotating the squad: "For now, that's it and that's the mentality we're building.

"Today there were times when we had to suffer and we lost too many duels in the middle of the park, but the way the boys try and their thirst to win is there and you can notice it ."

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