Arsenal struck three times in seven second-half minutes before Arteta paid tribute to the club’s late life president.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Mikel Arteta dedicated Arsenal’s 3-0 Champions League victory over Lille to Ken Friar, the club’s life president, who died on Monday aged 92.
Arsenal maintained their perfect start in the competition with three goals in seven second-half minutes at the Emirates after a patient opening period.
Jurrien Timber broke the deadlock in the 64th minute, delightfully controlling a pass from Noni Madueke, dragging the ball into space and lifting his finish over goalkeeper Berke Ozer.
The introduction of Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka a minute later gave Arsenal greater sharpness in attack.
Timber won possession high up the pitch to start the move for the second goal, with Odegaard and Bruno Guimaraes helping release Saka.
His cross found Ebere Eze, who finished from inside the area.
Saka then added the third after combining brilliantly with Odegaard and Havertz before placing his shot into the bottom corner.
It was Saka’s 19th European goal for Arsenal, leaving him behind only Thierry Henry in the club’s European scoring table. He is also third in European assists for the Gunners, behind only Henry and Cesc Fabregas.
David Raya also reached a significant milestone, making his 38th Champions League appearance for Arsenal and equalling David Seaman’s club record. He marked the occasion with yet another clean sheet.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Arsenal wore black armbands in memory of Friar, and Arteta began his post-match press conference with a tribute to him.
“Before we start, I would like to say a few words about Ken Friar, our life president,” Arteta said.
“It’s a really sad day for everybody that loves Arsenal Football Club, anybody who loves football, and anybody who has come across him.
“I had the privilege, the honour, to meet him and to spend time with him, to learn from him. There are people at football clubs who have a role and fulfil it, and others who create an identity, values, and they have a vision to create that future for the football club.
“The legacy Ken is going to leave, to all of us, to our football club, to everybody that has been close to him, is going to be forever. I want to pass on all our love to his relatives, his family, so they know that the way we feel about him cannot be anything but extraordinary.
“I’m sure he is very happy to see how the boys played, how we won. That victory is for him. But not only that, I know he feels proud of what we built and especially the group of players that we have.”
The win extended Arsenal’s league-phase winning run to 14 matches ahead of next Wednesday’s trip to Bayern Munich.
Probably been done but poignant walk over the Ken Friar bridge tonight [image or embed]— Arsenal Paul (@gunnerpaul.com) 13 October 2026 at 18:33