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Mikel Arteta exclusive interview: Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and the story of Arsenal's youth
In an exclusive interview, Mikel Arteta explains why Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Arsenal's other rising stars are key to the club's future. Watch Arsenal vs Fulham live on Sky Sports Premier League HD from 1pm on Sunday; kick-off 1.30pm
“It made me proud,” Mikel Arteta tells Sky Sports with a smile.
The Arsenal manager is reflecting on Emile Smith Rowe's double nutmeg in the build-up to the opening goal against Slavia Prague. But he could just as easily be thinking about Bukayo Saka's finish for the third. Or the driving run that won the penalty for the second.
Arsenal set up a Europa League semi-final against Unai Emery's Villarreal in the most emphatic style possible and they did it with their young players leading the charge. No wonder Arteta is smiling.
"I love to work with young players and give them the opportunity but it's not only that," he adds. "It's the collective aspect of the game. How we play together and how we enjoy playing our style.
Arsenal set up a Europa League semi-final against Unai Emery's Villarreal in the most emphatic style possible and they did it with their young players leading the charge. No wonder Arteta is smiling.
"I love to work with young players and give them the opportunity but it's not only that," he adds. "It's the collective aspect of the game. How we play together and how we enjoy playing our style.
Arsenal have not done it enough this season. Beat Fulham on Sunday and it will only be the fourth time all campaign they have won three consecutive games. But it is difficult to watch Saka and Smith Rowe in full flow and not feel excited for their future.
Arteta certainly feels that excitement. "There are parts of the games when I start to see where we can go," he says. "It's just about sustaining those levels for longer periods, ideally for 95 minutes."
That is the next step for this Arsenal side and Saka and Smith Rowe are not the only youngsters who will try to help them make it.
Gabriel Martinelli is vying for a starting spot and there are high hopes for striker Folarin Balogun too. The talent is there.
"The young players have earned our trust and showed that we can believe in them," says Arteta. "Not only in the games but in the way they are around the place and the way they train every day.
The Arsenal manager is reflecting on Emile Smith Rowe's double nutmeg in the build-up to the opening goal against Slavia Prague. But he could just as easily be thinking about Bukayo Saka's finish for the third. Or the driving run that won the penalty for the second.
Arsenal set up a Europa League semi-final against Unai Emery's Villarreal in the most emphatic style possible and they did it with their young players leading the charge. No wonder Arteta is smiling.
"I love to work with young players and give them the opportunity but it's not only that," he adds. "It's the collective aspect of the game. How we play together and how we enjoy playing our style.
Arsenal set up a Europa League semi-final against Unai Emery's Villarreal in the most emphatic style possible and they did it with their young players leading the charge. No wonder Arteta is smiling.
"I love to work with young players and give them the opportunity but it's not only that," he adds. "It's the collective aspect of the game. How we play together and how we enjoy playing our style.
Arsenal have not done it enough this season. Beat Fulham on Sunday and it will only be the fourth time all campaign they have won three consecutive games. But it is difficult to watch Saka and Smith Rowe in full flow and not feel excited for their future.
Arteta certainly feels that excitement. "There are parts of the games when I start to see where we can go," he says. "It's just about sustaining those levels for longer periods, ideally for 95 minutes."
That is the next step for this Arsenal side and Saka and Smith Rowe are not the only youngsters who will try to help them make it.
Gabriel Martinelli is vying for a starting spot and there are high hopes for striker Folarin Balogun too. The talent is there.
"The young players have earned our trust and showed that we can believe in them," says Arteta. "Not only in the games but in the way they are around the place and the way they train every day.