Arsenal moved to the top of their Europa League group with a professional 3-0 win over Norwegian counterparts Bodo/Glimt at the Emirates.
Two goals in a wild four-minute spell from Eddie Nketiah and Rob Holding put them in full control and, although the visitors came on strong, Arteta's men stayed the course and got their reward in the form of a late Fabio Vieira strike to seal the three points.
Positives
The sustained aggression that Arsenal showed when pursuing the lead just goes to prove how much they've grown as a unit. They had quick passing movement, switched things up between the wing play and through the midfield, and they never really had to get into that next gear despite still easing to a comfortable win.
All in all, it was a good Thursday at the office.
- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (U.S.)
Negatives
Due to the league leaders playing inferior opposition, the final ball didn't need to be perfect -- but in select moments, the Gunners definitely left a lot to be desired with how they were attempting to pick out the man in the middle.
The hosts also let their foot off the gas quite dramatically around the hour mark and against more clinical finishers, they could've been made to pay.
Manager Rating (out of 10)
Mikel Arteta, 9 -- It was just about a picture perfect evening for Arteta who, understandably, rotated his side with a tantalising blend of experience and young, hungry talent.
He was as animated as ever on the touchline, made changes at the right time in the second half and insisted on relentless forward pressure in the opening 30 minutes to get them on the path to victory.
- Arsenal's opponents had to walk to stadium after bus got stuck
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Matt Turner, 7 -- Made one impressive save in the 57th minute by getting down low and aside from that, didn't have a whole lot to do between the sticks.
DF Gabriel Magalhaes, 7 -- His physicality at the back worked well in a setting that called on him to be an example of an assured first team regular.
- Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (U.S.)
DF Rob Holding, 8 -- A delightful header functioned nicely alongside a series of interceptions that highlighted one of the Englishman's greatest strengths.
DF Takehiro Tomiyasu, 7 -- He may sometimes be too ambitious with his passing, but Tomiyasu is a calming presence in a well-rounded defence.
DF Kieran Tierney, 7 -- A lovely ping off of the post led to Arsenal's opener and while he has questions to answer at the back, his attacking intent was clear.
DF Marquinhos, 6 -- Outside of a few poor touches and questionable decision making, this was an outing he needed to get adjusted to Mikel's setup.
MF Granit Xhaka, 7 -- The captain let his guard down slightly in the second half but overall, he was consistently controlling the play with a commanding presence.
MF Albert Sambi Lokonga, 5 -- Needs to work on his timing and positional play with the nerves, on multiple occasions, boiling to the surface.
MF Fabio Vieira, 8 -- After an electric start, the 22-year-old proceeded to register a top quality assist as well as a powerful finish on an evening to remember.
FW Gabriel Martinelli, 7 -- Carried the ball magnificently for the first goal, had an unbelievable energy down the flank and looked far stronger out wide.
FW Eddie Nketiah, 8 -- The instinctive finish to make it 1-0 was just the tip of the iceberg on a night that allowed Nketiah to show off his pace and determination in some style.
Substitutions
DF Benjamin White, N/A -- Put in some nice overlapping runs but ultimately didn't have enough time to make a credible impact.
MF Martin Odegaard, 6 -- The Norwegian was a confident leader in possession and had the kind of vision that he'll hopefully begin to exhibit more frequently.
MF Reiss Nelson, N/A -- Battled as hard as anyone on the pitch in a brief cameo that proved why strength in depth can be so valuable.
FW Bukayo Saka, 6 -- Was outshone by some of his fellow substitutes but still looked like he was walking on air when he moved into the final third.
FW Gabriel Jesus, 7 -- Showcased fantastic movement, as always, and produced a moment of absolute magic with his footwork that set up the third goal of the night.