‘World class, quite simply’: Bodo/Glimt boss stunned by quality of two Arsenal players last night

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal duo Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus have been described as “world-class” by Bodo/Glimt coach Kjetil Knutsen, in conversation with Dagbladet.

The Gunners ran out 3-0 winners over the Norwegian champions in Thursday night’s Europa League clash at the Emirates Stadium.

Eddie Nketiah opened the scoring in the 23rd minute following great work from Gabriel Martinelli and Kieran Tierney.

Then, just four minutes later, the Gunners doubled their lead with yet more superb play.

Fabio Vieira took a corner, which was cleared back his way, and he delivered a cross which Rob Holding headed home.

However, Arsenal failed to put multiple other chances away, and visitors started to get some encouragement in the game after the restart.

This prompted Arteta to make some changes, with the likes of Jesus, Odegaard and Bukayo Saka coming on.

It proved the right call, with Arsenal holding firm, and Jesus was also the architect for Arsenal’s third goal.

He skipped past two challenges on the byline before pulling the ball back and laying a goal for Vieira to fire home.

Speaking after the game, Knutsen paid tribute to Arsenal’s strength in depth as they brought on the big guns.

“During the break we talked about how we were a bit passive,” Knutsen said.

“We kept the ball and did not take advantage of the spaces we had. In the second half, we looked a lot more like we should.  

“But they are not kind to us when they bring on Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard. Then we meet quality. It’s world class, quite simply.” 

Arteta has put together a spectacular squad – TBR View

It wasn’t that long ago that Arsenal struggled to put together a capable starting XI, never mind a full matchday squad.

But now, the Gunners boast a superb starting line-up complemented by some real strength in depth.

It’s not as if Arsenal were losing or even struggling against Bodo/Glimt – they were two up.

But with the visitors threatening a way back into the game, Arteta was then able to bring on the big guns.

And in the end, they helped Arsenal hold tight and add another goal.