Bodo/Glimt manager calls two Arsenal stars ‘simply world-class’ after Europa League defeat

Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen was full of praise for Arsenal after his side’s Europa League defeat at the Emirates Stadium and called two of Mikel Arteta’s players ‘world-class’.

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Arsenal continued their impressive run with a routine 3-0 win over Norwegian side Bodo/Glim on Thursday night.

The Gunners were 2-0 up midway through the first half as Eddie Nketiah, starting in place of the rested Gabriel Jesus, broke the deadlock and Rob Holding scored a rare goal from Fabio Vieira’s cross.

£34m summer signing Vieira rounded off another productive evening for Arsenal when he added a third late on.

Arteta’s side have now won four successive matches in all competitions and top their Europa League group, as well as leading the Premier League.

Bodo/Glimt boss Knutsen revealed his admiration for Arsenal in his post-match press conference and hailed second-half substitutes Jesus and Martin Odegaard as ‘simply world-class’.

‘During the break we talked about how we were a bit passive,’ he told Norwegian outlet Mareritt. ‘We stopped 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 put on Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard.

‘Then we meet quality. It’s world class, quite simply.

‘They attack with a lot of people, they’re patient and then suddenly they have that burst in the final third. If you only defend, you don’t stand a chance against them.’

Arteta, meanwhile, was pleased to see his side extend their winning run to four games but insisted there was room for improvement as Arsenal prepare to face Liverpool this weekend.

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