Arsenal continued their impressive run of form this season with a hard fought 1-0 victory over Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.

Bukayo Saka scored the only goal of the game, bundling the ball into the back of the net at the front post to ensure the Gunners maintained their 100% record in the competition.

  • Saka continues his hot run

After playing a starring role in Arsenal's 3-2 demolition of Liverpool at the weekend, many people expected Saka to be given a rest for the Gunners midweek trip to Norway, however the 21-year-old played just under an hour at the Aspmyra Stadion on Thursday. 

Saka scored twice against Liverpool and the Hale End graduate scored again in Norway, thrusting the decisive goal into the back of the net from close range.

It wasn't just his goal that earned him praise in Norway - Saka grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and dragged Arsenal over the finish line. 

The Englishman ran Liverpool full back Konstantinos Tsimikas ragged on Sunday and he did the same to Bodo/Glimt defender Brice Wembangomo on Thursday. 

Most of Arsenal's positive play came through Saka down the right hand side of the pitch, with the winger creating a bucket full of chances which weren't converted.

  • Bodo/Glimt were brilliant 

Bodo/Glimt impressed on and off the pitch on Thursday. 

It was clear to see why Bodo/Glimt had won the last 14 of their previous European games at home, as their support was unbelievable - The fans made the stadium sound and feel like it had a capacity of 80,000, not 8000.

The effect the fans had on their side was clear to see, especially in the second half. Bodo/Glimt had a host of chances which they should have scored and could have easily gone on to beat Arsenal in the end.

Midfielder Hugo Vetlesen was Bodo's best player, and was the player who connected their defence and attack. On most occasions when the Norwegian side were surging forward on the counterattack, it was the 22-year-old who was carrying the ball deep into enemy territory. 

Another stand out player was Amahl Pellegrino - the forward had a host of great chances, but luck didn't seem to be on the 32-year-old's side.

Overall Bodo/Glimt made life hard for Arsenal on Thursday, and were unlucky to not come away from the game with at least a point.

  • Assured performance in between the sticks

Matt Turner put any doubts fans may have had about him to bed on Thursday night.

The American shot stopper was equal to everything Bodo/Glimt threw at him, making some brilliant saves throughout the match. 

The most notable thing about the 28-year-old's performance was his ability to sense danger early and deal with it - on numerous occasions Turner was quick off his line to gather the ball.

Turner's role as Arsenal's 2nd choice goalkeeper was confirmed at the start of the season, deputising for Aaron Ramsdale, and the American's performance on Thursday has certainly solidified his place within the squad.

  •  A tough test

Mikel Arteta's side didn't perform to their normal high standards in Norway, but one thing to takeaway from their performance is their determination - 12 months ago would the Gunners have struggled even more? Would they have won the game?

The Gunners had multiple things going against them - the electric atmosphere, the artificial pitch, an inspired opponent - but they still found a way to win, and that shows just what Arteta has achieved during his short time in charge.

Arsenal will be looking to go all the way in the Europa League this season, and if they carry on playing they way they have been, then they will have a very good chance of doing so.