Saka agrees with Arteta's controversial claim amid record-breaking Arsenal run

30 August 2023 , 12:36

675     0

Saka agrees with Arteta's controversial claim amid record-breaking Arsenal run

Bukayo Saka has made it clear he doesn't let the fear of injuries prevent him from weaving his influence every time he steps on the pitch for Arsenal.

The 21-year-old has established himself as one of the most lethal attackers in the Premier League and with that comes more attention from defenders. As a result, Saka has been on the end of some particularly brutal challenges since his graduation from the Gunners academy but they don't seem to bother the England ace.

Perhaps more surprisingly is the fact it doesn't seem to bother manager Mikel Arteta either. For all of the Spaniard's over-exuberant touchline antics, he has previously claimed how Saka can't expect extra time to recover from the brutal challenges he faces if he wants to be among the very elite in world football.

After one notably tough tackle on Arsenal's number seven during last season's Europa League group stage, Arteta explained: "Look at the top players in the world. They play 70 matches [a season], and every three days they make the difference and win the game. You want to be at the top, you have to be able to do that.

"If we start to put something different in the minds of our young players I think we are making a huge mistake. I want them to be ruthless every three days. They are going to be knocking on my door [saying]: ‘I want to play, I want to win the game.'"

Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured

Just shy of a year later, Saka has echoed his manager's sentiment when asked about how he feels in regards to the relentless physical treatment he is subjected to from opposition defenders. "I feel that it’s about perspective," the Arsenal ace told the Guardian. "It’s not just me. Ask any player. As soon as you go on the pitch, you have the risk of being injured. You can either feel positively or negatively about it. I choose to think positively."

HAVE YOUR SAY! Was Arteta's stance on Saka's situation fair? Comment below

Bukayo Saka is often on the end of late challenges

Directly addressing Arteta's comments, Saka added: “Well, I think he has a point, the top players, when you look at recent years, that’s the amount of games they play.

"So it’s about making myself ready to be available and try to be on the pitch and help my team. There’s no point thinking about it negatively because if you look at the top players – Messi, Ronaldo – they play every game and there’s a reason why they score that amount of goals."

While Arsenal fans will no doubt hold their breath each time Saka is clattered, it is clear that both manager and player understand that comes with the territory and the only response is to play through it.

Josh O'Brien