Saka blow only low for Arteta

MIKEL ARTETA has set his sights on the Europa League after watching Arsenal brush Sheffield United aside at Bramall Lane.

The Gunners bashed the Blades thanks to a brace from Alexandre Lacazette and Gabriel Martinelli’s first league goal for 15 months.

It was Arsenal’s first victory in five games and first clean sheet in 15 to lift them up to ninth in the table.

It will also provide Arteta’s men with some much-needed confidence heading into Thursday’s do-or-die Europa League quarter-final second leg showdown at Slavia Prague.

And the Gunners boss, left, said: “I am really happy with the way we played, we scored some really nice goals and controlled the game the way we wanted. We played at a high level.

“From the start, I felt the boys were at it, we were efficient. Against Prague, Lacazette missed two big chances and he needed those goals. He has been playing well.

“This is ideal preparation for Thursday. It has been a long run without a clean sheet.”

But Arteta’s men might have to take on the Czech outfit without Bukayo Saka, who limped off in the second half with a thigh problem.

Arteta added: “The last thing we need is another injury, but he felt something in his thigh.”