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Mikel Arteta hailed makeshift striker Mikel Merino after his two goals in the 3-0 Champions League victory over Salvia Prague. The Arsenal boss also praised Max Dowman after he became the youngster-ever Champions League player.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
0:08 Really happy with the win, four in a row without conceding a goal. Super intense team. Very difficult to get fluency. The margin was comfortable but it wasn't that at all. Mikel stepping up with the two goals, Max's Champions League debut.
1:00 It's a joy to have Mikel Merino, his versatility, his mindset, the way he is as a person.
1:28 As soon as Max came on he showed his personality. It doesn't matter what his passport says.
2:03 Eight clean sheets in a row? The mindset of the players is what's so impressive, looking at still how we can do things better.
2:39 I wasn't happy at all when the penalty was awarded. Well done to the referee for overturning the decision.
3:14 Hincapie? Very happy. He can play as a full back or centre back. He was really strong and so efficient.
3:47 5-0 against City? Xhaka was sent off and that was a long time ago. We are in a different situation right now.
4:18 If we can nullify the opposition and restrict the opposition from scoring a goal, that's the job.
4:52 Slavia haven't lost at home all season. It's difficult to turn around. We had to ride the storm. The team showed a lot of maturity.
5:40 Saliba in midfield? That was how they pressed the game. We could have done some things better in that.
6:24 You have to invent options sometimes. Mikel hasn't played up front in his career but he's showing he can handle that.
6:53 My view was Merino always had really good timing, one and two touch finishing, attacking the spaces.
7:32 You have to feel prepared, now it's about the next game. Have clarity and be in really good emotional states.
8:06 Timber is taking his level and the team's level to a different dimension.
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By HaytersTV
November 4, 2025