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Mikel Arteta called Bukayo Saka “special” after two goals from the Arsenal winger helped the Gunners see off Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
Saka found the net in both halves, with substitute Kai Havertz also scoring, as Arsenal ran out 3-0 winners at the Emirates.
Both teams were tied on points going into the competition but a win for the hosts would see them move up to third in the table and qualify for the last 16 of the competition.
“I’m very happy,” Arteta told TNT Sports.
“We started the game very well. The first step should be three or four (points up) at least.
“In the Champions League you will have difficult times and we had a time (in the game), maybe longer than we expected because we were not accurate enough.”
Bukayo Saka immediately thanked Lewis-Skelly for his contribution in scoring the first goal.
Leader 💪 pic.twitter.com/pQg8BzJY7K
– Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 11, 2024
Arteta was quick to praise the achievements of Saka, who has now scored and assisted more in one game than any other player in the Champions League since the start of last season.
Speaking about Saka, the Gunners boss said: “He looks mature. What he has done so far in football is amazing.
“He’s very humble, a great person to be around, and an incredible talent.
“He is a special person. He is loved by everyone and when he is on the field he makes a difference for us. “
Bukayo Saka is an easy finish following a brilliant Gabriel Jesus pass 😮💨
Amazing performance by Myles Lewis-Skelly on his first Champions League start 👏
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/GJHS03AXiD
– Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 11, 2024
Saka chose to highlight the performances of 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, who made his Champions League debut for the Gunners and played a key role in Arsenal’s opener.
“I told him (Lewis-Skelly) before the game that this is his level. “They have to be confident and play with confidence,” said Saka.
“What he is doing, we see it in training so I was happy with him and he was a big part of the first goal.
“I’m proud of him.”
Lewis-Skelly added: “I’m proud. I believe in myself. I’ve come a long way and I just want to thank everyone for giving me the opportunity and, I believe, this is the first of many. “
