Arsenal ran out [3-0 winners over Lille](https://arseblog.news/2026/10/report-arsenal-3-0-lille-inc-goals/) this evening in the Champions League thanks to goals from Jurrien Timber, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka.
Mikel Arteta spoke to TNT Sports about the performance and the result. Here’s what he had to say.
**His message at half-time after a frustrating first 45 minutes …**
“Well, a few things, basically. One adjustment attacking, one defending, but especially that we had to increase the technical level. At this level, the teams are really well organised. We gave simple balls away, bad touches, mistimed things.
“When we delivered the ball into the box, it wasn’t in the right area, so we got caught. Especially with the right transition on the left side, and the moment we started to do that better, we could counter-press, we could regain the ball, we started to play into the opposition’s box.
“When we had chances there and with the quality that we had, obviously we made a real difference.”
**How much do players contributing off the bench help?**
“Yeah, well, the one that started as well. We got into some incredible positions again and the ball doesn’t land into the next player. The difference on the goal of Jurrien, he ran from the blind side, the ball comes and boom. The pass is good, the timing is good and the execution from Jurrien is brilliant.
“That makes a difference at this level. And the ones that finish the game, again, extraordinary. They increase the intensity, the quality and we suffocated them more and more.”
**On giving certain players valuable minutes**
“Yes, but the minutes are given because they deserve them. Everybody was on that pitch because they deserved the minutes that they got. And then they have to earn it because we can see the competition and the options that the team has.”
**Does a win tonight set the team up for the weekend?**
“Yes, that’s one thing. But to win in the Champions League is extremely difficult and it’s a brilliant team. I think what David has done with them is remarkable.
“Winning helps, the energy will be good for sure tomorrow, and we’ll start to prepare the Sunday game.”
