Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

'Saka epitomising the Arteta revolution' - National media react to Arsenal's win over Wolves

Telegraph

"It was towards the end of last season when Arsenal were ruthlessly swept aside at a bouncing Molineux, but here was further evidence of the impact being made by Mikel Arteta," writes John Percy for the Telegraph.

"Last season’s defeat under the management of Unai Emery exposed all of Arsenal’s much maligned weaknesses, yet there is now a different feeling around this club with Arteta behind the wheel.

"There is also an emerging generation of talent coming through, with Bukayo Saka epitomising the Arteta revolution and making a crucial contribution here to maintain their hopes of European excursions next season.

James Benge reviews Wolves 0-2 Arsenal

"Days after signing a new contract, Saka scored his first Premier League goal for the club and substitute Alexandre Lacazette struck late to finally end the juggernaut momentum of Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves and secure Arsenal their fourth successive victory.

"Ahead of a crucial week, in which they face Leicester on Tuesday and then a trip to Tottenham Hotspur next Sunday, Arsenal are seventh in the Premier League, three points behind sixth-placed Wolves."

Mirror

"Martinez impressing in Leno's absence," writes Alex Richards for the Mirror. "There's no doubt that Bernd Leno will remain Arsenal's No.1 when he returns to full fitness.

"But Emiliano Martinez is certainly doing himself no harm whatsoever in the German's absence.

"The Argentine, a former Wolves loanee, is looking increasingly confident between the sticks, having waited so long to really get the opportunity to stake his claim.

Emi Martinez has excelled in place of Bernd Leno. (Photo by Mike Egerton/Pool via Getty Images)

"He's made a number of fine stops in recent wins, and he again did well here, commanding his area and showing bravery to race from his line when called upon."

Independent

"Several sides around Europe have impressed this year using wing-backs and three centre-backs: Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig have all mounted title challenges using variations of that system," writes Karl Matchett for the Independent.

"In the Premier League, it has largely been the domain of Wolves and Sheffield United following suit, but recent games have seen Arsenal follow suit and it’s easy to see why Mikel Arteta is attracted to the idea.

"Cedric Soares, Hector Bellerin, Kieran Tierney, Bukayo Saka: all of them can play full-back, but their strengths are in attacking and they’d ideally be on the ball higher upfield.

"Meanwhile, with defensive concerns still lingering, an extra body at the back offers a little more protection to all involved.

"It’s a system which suits several Arsenal players, allows attackers to focus on their own best attributes and strikes a better tactical balance than the Gunners showed earlier this season and straight after the restart."

Mail

"Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are a work in progress but at Molineux against very tricky opponents there were exciting glimpses of the masterpiece he hopes to create," writes Joe Bernstein for the Mail.

"This was Arsenal's fourth win in a row after the late horrors of Brighton and by far the most impressive.

"To put it into context, Wolves were previously unbeaten in eight league games and hadn't conceded or dropped any points since lockdown.

Mikel Arteta gives Bukayo Saka a high five (Michael Steele/Getty Images)

"Yet Arsenal thoroughly deserved victory earned through goals in each half by Bukayo Saka and Alexander Lacazette with Arteta equally impressed by a clean sheet. 'The reason we can beat anyone is because we enjoy suffering together,' he said.

"Both goals underlined what the Arsenal boss is trying to do.

"Saka, still only 18 and looking even younger, signed a new long-term contract at The Emirates last week and Arteta expects great things from the bubbly winger."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.