Arteta – “Our supporters are just incredible” | News

Mikel Arteta was all smiles after enjoying a thoroughly impressive 3-0 win away to Preston in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

The boss handed two more debuts, to teenagers Tommy Setford and Ayden Heaven, on a night when 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri also shone.

But the boss was quick to praise the traveling army of Arsenal supporters who were in full voice all night – particularly enjoying Nwaneri’s world-class strike.

“What a special goal for them (the supporters) because we had 6,000 people here,” the boss said afterwards. “It’s just unbelievable. Their commitment, their passion to come and support the team, it really made a difference, so thank you to them.

“It’s very positive,” he added. “Winning in the quarter-finals, we had some really good moments, some fantastic goals, a really good mix between senior players and very young players, some of them making their professional debuts with us. so all in all a really good night.”

The game was lit up by some fantastic goals, with Gabriel Jesus, Nwaneri and Kai Havertz all on target.

“I’m very happy for all of them,” Arteta said. “For Gabi it was very important because he hadn’t scored for many months, so it will be really positive for him. The goal Ethan scored was obviously phenomenal. He keeps doing that in training, he has the ability, his personality, to make decisions in the final third, so I’m really happy.”

At the other end, teenage goalkeeper Setford marked his debut with a clean sheet to ensure a perfect night.

“He was really happy on the pitch and in the dressing room, a very emotional day for him. He’s only been with us for three months, he’s 18 years old, he’s just played his first professional game for the club and in his career and that same with Ayden (Heaven), two big smiles.”

“They know that getting their debut means nothing if there’s no consequence. That’s what they have to show, it’s the same with Myles (Lewis-Skelly), the same with Ethan and we’ve also got a few more.”