Mikel Arteta in agreement with Steven Gerrard over Saka's Arsenal development

09 November 2023 , 20:07

969     0

Mikel Arteta in agreement with Steven Gerrard over Saka's Arsenal development

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's recent comments on Bukayo Saka's brutal treatement from opposition defenders has raised eyebrows and led to past comments from Steven Gerrard to resurface.

The Gunners winger is often on the receiving end of some particularly eyewatering challenges from full-backs across the continent and Wednesday night's 2-0 win over Sevilla in the Champions League was no different. Nemanja Gudelj was guilty of a number of fouls on Saka, who still managed to get on the scoresheet and register an assist.

However, the England international failed to last the full 90 minutes, hobbling out of action just before full-time with an injury. After the game, many expected Arteta to take aim at the officials for not offering Saka more protection, but the Gunners boss opted for a different approach.

Pressed for comment on whether Saka was born ready to deal with such brutal challenges, Arteta replied: "Born? I think he's getting used to it!

"I don't think that's going to change, especially with the way he plays and the way he attracts players so he better get used to it because I don't think it's going to change.

Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush

"There's contact in football and obviously for the wingers who want to take people on this is going to happen. At the end he wasn't comfortable to carry on, hopefully it's not too much but I'm really pleased with his performance."

This isn't the the first time Arteta has not given Saka any sympathy. The Arsenal boss has previously claimed that all top players play "70 matches and every three days and still make the difference" when faced with questions over whether the winger could suffer a burnout.

HAVE YOUR SAY!Should Saka just accept the rough treatment from opposition defenders? Comment below

Bukayo Saka was on the end of a number of brutal tackles against Sevilla

The 'stiff upper-lip', no complaints approach is similar to some advice Gerrard gave Saka last year, when what was then his Aston Villa side took on Arsenal at Villa Park. Having seen his players accused of deliberately roughing up the Gunners academy graduate, the Liverpool legend issued a defiant response.

"It's part of the game. The last time I checked it's not a no-contact sport. I think tackles are allowed, physicality's allowed," Gerrard blasted. "He's a good player, he's an outstanding talent and I love him. But he can't complain about that side. That's football.

"I'm sitting here now with screws in my hips, I've had about 16 operations, I'm struggling to go to the gym at the moment. That's all on the back of earning a living in English football. He'll learn and he'll learn quick."

Arteta did comment on the status of Saka's fitness ahead of Saturday's clash with Burnley, adding: "It was just a kick and I was told by the physios on the radio he wasn't happy to continue, so he will have some discomfort but hopefully I am going to assume he will be OK.”

Josh O'Brien