Mikel Arteta tells Bukayo Saka to protect himself as referees leave Arsenal star in danger
Despite potentially breaking the first rule of Fight Club, Mikel Arteta believes it is important to address the treatment of Bukayo Saka, who is a 21-year-old England winger for Arsenal.
Saka is on the verge of signing a new long-term contract with the club and is a crucial player for them as he has not missed a single league game in their last 65 matches, which is the longest streak in the division.
However, Saka has been subjected to rough physical play in recent matches, including in Arsenal’s 4-2 victory over Aston Villa where he was left limping.
Even the typically calm and religious Saka lost his temper and pushed Philippe Coutinho after being caught from behind by the Brazilian.
Aaron Ramsdale and Jorginho intervened to help Saka, but Arteta believes that his young player is justified in taking matters into his own hands by adopting a more assertive approach on the pitch, especially when referees fail to offer sufficient protection.
The Arsenal manager stated that Saka needs to learn and enhance his ability to protect himself within the confines of the rules of the game.
“He reacted in a way but that line is extremely thin and that cannot take him out of his game and lose the focus. But he can help that, as well, to have more focus, more determination, more belief for the next action. So it’s something he needs to do.”
Saka’s contributions of nine goals and eight assists have been instrumental to Arsenal’s pursuit of a title this season. However, he has also been subjected to rough play, with only four yellow cards given to opponents despite 40 fouls committed against him.
“The word I would use is normality,” Arteta added on Saka’s treatment. “He’s used to it since he was 10, 11, 12 years old because that’s the game that he plays. I don’t see it like he’s concerned at all. It’s a challenge he’s going to face with every opponent he faces – he wants to win that challenge. That’s it.”
Despite a recent stretch of two losses and a draw in their last three matches, Arsenal is still at the top of the Premier League standings, with a two-point lead over defending champions Manchester City and an extra game in hand.
Their recent 4-2 triumph over Aston Villa put an end to the chatter that the team’s title campaign was in jeopardy. With 13 different players having scored for the club and the return of striker Gabriel Jesus from injury imminent, Arteta is confident that he has a squad capable of taking on the responsibility of chasing the title.
The Spaniard said: “I’m very pleased because at the end of the day you’re going to have to score a certain amount of goals, or have clean sheets, if you want to be at the top.
“And if you don’t have a player who scores 30 goals in the league, we have to try to elevate the level and the influence of a lot of players in and around the box and the final third.”
Mikel Arteta tells Bukayo Saka to protect himself as referees leave Arsenal star in danger
