Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott said it would be "music" to Mikel Arteta's "ears" that he has "players itching to get on".

Two of Arsenal's three goals in the 3-0 victory against Ligue 1 opponents Lille were created by substitutes Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz.

"It shows the strength in depth," Walcott said. "Noni Madueke was very positive tonight. He wore out the defence and Eberechi Eze looked happier when Viktor Gyokeres went off. Eze just seemed a bit different. Havertz was there, and Eze could link a bit differently."

Although Gunners captain Martin Odegaard did not add to his goal involvements for the 2026-27 campaign, the Norwegian's second half introduction was followed by Eze's goal in the 67th minute.

"Martin Odegaard is brilliant. He has been absolutely fantastic," added Walcott.

"He is the orchestrator, he just gets them going. The intensity he shows when he comes on, it just gets everyone's games up."

Although Havertz was awarded the assist for Saka's goal, Odegaard proved his "orchestrator" role by playing a neat pass into the German which helped unpick the Lille defence.

While Lille showcased a stubborn defence in the first half, the French side conceded all three goals within seven minutes and 18 seconds.