Mikel Arteta singles out two Arsenal youngsters after latest Europa League win

Mikel Arteta has praised two of his young stars following Arsenal’s comfortable Europa League win over Dundalk. The Gunners boss was impressed with the performances of Emile Smith-Rowe and substitute Folarin Balogun.

Arsenal continued their rampant European form to end the group stage with a 100 per cent winning record after beating the Irish side 4-2 in Dublin. 

Eddie Nketiah opened the scoring in the first half before Mohamed Elneny rifled home a long-range screamer to double the advantage. 

Dundalk pulled one back before half time through Jordan Flores but Arsenal stepped up a gear after the break.

Joe Willock fired home a third for Arteta’s side from Balogun’s assist before the 19-year-old added a fourth for his second goal of the competition. 

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“We want him to stay, he said to me he wants to stay at the club, so hopefully we can reach an agreement and extend his contract.”

Arteta was also pleased with the performance of Emile Smith-Rowe who put in a solid performance and assisted Elneny’s goal despite starting in an unfamiliar wide position. 

“He played in a position that doesn’t suit him perfectly for his qualities” Arteta admitted. “He has a lot of creativity and has the quality to receive the ball and do things. 

“He’s a threat and I’m really happy for his performance.” 

Arteta is hoping his side can take confidence from their European displays and apply it to the Premier League.

“We need to do that at the end of the day we need to start winning football matches immediately,” he added. “We cannot sustain the results we had in the last six to eight weeks and that has to be immediately and we know that has to start on Sunday.