Starting his fifth consecutive game for Arsenal in the Premier League, 19-year-old produced another influential performance in the number 10 role as Mikel Arteta’s side recorded a 3-0 win over Newcastle.
He faced the press after the match and here’s what he had to say…
On an enjoyable second half…
We all enjoyed it so much. We’re all coming together as a team. We’re really happy for the win today, got to be happy with the three points.
On what’s going well…
I feel like we’re all coming together as a group. We’ve had some meetings off the pitch and we’re much stronger now as a team. Everyone is getting fit, we’re getting together on the training pitch. The whole group is so much stronger and it’s showing on the pitch.
On having to bide his time for his chances…
Yeah, I’ve been a bit unfortunate with injuries but the manager is giving me a chance and I’m so grateful. I just hope to repay him, every opportunity that I get I just want to show him I’m good enough to be in this team.
On his loan spells helping…
It’s been massive. I’ve been abroad and I’ve been in the Championship and they’ve developed me so much on and off the pitch. I feel like I’ve matured into a stronger and more confident person. They’ve definitely helped me in my journey.
On Arsenal’s youngsters coming through the ranks together…
We’ve all played together from a young age. Obviously, Gabriel Martinelli came from abroad but to be on the pitch with the young boys, it’s a dream for us. From a young age, we’ve already had that link up so when we get onto the pitch with each other it really shows.
On who has helped him settle at Arsenal…
I think Lacazette. Obviously playing together with him up top, I feel like he’s helped me so much on and off the pitch. He gives me so much confidence. As we link-up and play together, he talks to me a lot. I’d probably say he’s spoken to me the most off the pitch.
On creating 10 chances since he came into the team and Bruno Fernandes being the only player with more…
I look up to him as a player. His stats are crazy and the way he plays is really good. It’s a good achievement, I guess.
On what Arteta asks of him…
He tells me to play free, to play my man and to be confident. If I make a mistake, carry on. Forget about it. For me, to have a manager like Mikel who has played for the club gives me so much confidence. I’m so happy to be getting opportunities.
On playing one-touch football…
Yeah, growing up, I’ve always tried to play one touch. I feel like if I know what I’m going to do before I get the ball, then why not play with one touch. I try to do it as much as possible to keep the ball moving.
