Mikel Arteta spoke to TNT Sports after today’s 3-0 win over Monaco in the Champions League. Here’s what he had to say.

Regarding overall performance…

Well, I’m very happy with it, scored three goals, kept a clean sheet and won the game. I am extremely happy. We started the game very well, we should have been at least 3-4 ahead in the first half and then we could have finished the game, but we didn’t.

And in the Champions League we will have difficult moments for a while, probably longer than expected, because we were not precise enough. We didn’t adjust the press well enough and suffered as a result. But with the second goal I had the game under control and I’m happy with the three points.

For scoring in “open play”…

Yes, very good, especially because they were very different goals, all three, and that’s what we want, to be a threat in every phase of the game. As I said, we could have scored a lot more goals in open play, as you call it.

For me it’s not about open play or set pieces, it’s all part of the game. But still very happy.

Regarding the changes in the second half…

Yes, we have to, but a word about Myles, 18 years old, making his Champions League debut. It’s a great highlight of the game.

And then, as you mentioned, we have some problems. They use six players inside, with only the full-backs providing width. They have a lot of rotation, which is difficult to manage. But I think the substitutes helped us. They give us energy and give us a little more structure with and without the ball.

Everyone is important. It is impossible to keep the same players every two/three days.

About Lewis-Skelly asserting himself and proving his quality…

I think what I like about him is the courage. The positions he takes, how he penetrates with the ball. He is one of us and he is 18 years old. He has a bright future ahead of him.

As a manager and as a club I think we have to be very happy about these young players progressing. Because it’s a nice feeling to be able to help someone change their life.

About working with Bukayo Saka…

What he has already done in the game is incredible. I think his goal percentage in 21 games on the season is 20 or something ridiculous like that. But he is. A very humble, great guy to have around.

He’s so humble. And he just keeps producing. He is a special person. Again, it’s great to have him on the team. I think his leadership skills are increasing in his role. He’s great with the little kids. He’s great with the seniors. He is loved by everyone, you can tell. And when he’s on the pitch he makes a difference for us.

Arsenal 3-0 Monaco – Player Ratings