Mikel Arteta Reveals Bukayo Saka Battled Through Illness After Starring in Lille Victory

The 25-year-old had started all but one of Arsenal' s games across all competitions this season, but was named on the bench for the Champions League clash before coming on to make an immediate impact.

"I'm very happy and welcome. He wasn't feeling that good yesterday and today because he had a sort of illness," Arteta explained.

"He wasn't ready to start, but he really was keen to contribute to the team if it was needed. He came on, he made a huge impact and he delivered with real quality."

Jurrien Timber opened the scoring before Arsenal struck twice more in a seven-minute spell of dominance to put the game beyond Lille 's reach.

Despite the hosts enjoying plenty of possession in the first half, the game was still finely balanced until Arteta responded aptly with a triple substitution.

Saka had been on the pitch for just two minutes before setting up Eze for the second goal, while his own strike capped another well-worked team move. Some excellent interplay between the England international, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz created the opportunity for the Arsenal winger to slot past Berke Ozer from close range.

The goal came just days after Arteta publicly challenged Saka to improve his goalscoring output, with the Arsenal manager opting to reveal the exchange he had with the winger following his pre-match press conference.

"After the press conference I went and he was at the massage table and I said, 'Bukayo, I just killed you in the press conference. Good luck tomorrow.'

"He was laughing. He knows me. He knows that we have discussed these kinds of things. He takes it because he wants to be the best version of himself."

His comments highlight the close relationship between the pair, with the Arsenal manager setting things straight that his challenge was intended to help rather than place any further unnecessary pressure on the 25-year-old.

The England international seemed to take to the challenge, responding on the pitch by contributing directly to two goals, despite not feeling well enough to start.

Saka's strike takes his tally up to four goals this season, looking to build on his performances after a disappointing campaign last season.

However, his eagerness to rise up to the challenge will undoubtedly be viewed as an encouraging sign as the Gunners continue to fight on all fronts in every competition.