Mikel Arteta Praises ‘Angry’ Arsenal Stars After Champions League Win

Arsenal took a significant step toward the Champions League last 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night. Goals from Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Martin Odegaard ensured a smooth evening for the Gunners, who now find themselves on the verge of qualification.

Arsenal’s Dominant Display Secures Crucial Win

Arsenal wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Declan Rice opening the scoring in just the second minute. The Croatian visitors struggled to match Arsenal’s intensity throughout the game. Kai Havertz doubled the advantage with a well-placed header in the second half, and Martin Odegaard added a third in stoppage time, ending his 13-match goal drought across all competitions.

Arteta Applauds Odegaard’s Hunger and Drive

Mikel Arteta heaped praise on Martin Odegaard after the match, emphasizing the captain’s desire to contribute. Odegaard’s celebration after breaking his scoring drought reflected his determination.
“You could tell by the way Martin celebrated that he had an anger and a desire to do it,” said Arteta, speaking on the Norwegian’s Player of the Match performance.

Declan Rice Impresses with First Champions League Goal

Declan Rice also received glowing praise from Arteta after scoring his first-ever Champions League goal. Arteta highlighted Rice’s ability to impact games offensively:
“His intent, his purpose, especially attacking the positions he is taking and how he’s driving with the ball, have added another bite to his game,” Arteta noted. “Today, he could have scored two goals.”

What’s Next for Arsenal?

The Gunners will shift their focus back to the Premier League, where they are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2-2 draw against Aston Villa last weekend. Arsenal will face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, aiming to maintain their momentum in both domestic and European competitions.

Join the Discussion!

What do you think about Arsenal’s Champions League campaign so far? Can Odegaard and Rice continue to lead the team to greater success? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going!