Arsenal accused of "embarrassing" Bukayo Saka with Premier League complaint

05 January 2024 , 06:46

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Arsenal accused of "embarrassing" Bukayo Saka with Premier League complaint

Bukayo Saka will have been left "embarrassed" by Arsenal seeking more protection for the player, claims Chris Sutton.

The Gunners have raised the issue with the Premier League 's refereeing body in part of regular dialogue with Saka among the most fouled players in the top flight. Only two individuals have been scythed down more often than the England winger.

Arsenal have grown concerned that opposition players see their first challenge as something of a free hit, before getting booked for the second. The Gunners want the first serious challenge on Saka to result in a yellow card, which they hope will act as a deterrent.

Sutton though believes that the north Londoners haven't helped the player. He told the It's All Kicking Off podcast: "I think Bukayo Saka will be a bit embarrassed about the situation. It's a compliment, isn't it, that players want to get close to you and kick you? I don't think Arsenal, I don't know what they're thinking of there and where they're going with that. Ridiculous."

Saka is a vital part of Arsenal's title charge and a major injury could scupper their league hopes. He has been carrying an Achilles injury since last season and has already had to miss portions of the current campaign after he was sidelined following a Champions League outing.

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Mikel Arteta has previously warned his winger that he needs to learn how he can best evade injuries and tough tackles, but confessed himself that players in Saka's position can often be targeted.

Arsenal have reported the constant fouling faced by Bukayo Saka

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The Spaniard said: "He needs to learn when to take certain balls, what to do with that ball, how to use his body, when to jump. There are a lot of things we can train but obviously it is very difficult to understand what the opponent is going to do. Wingers and talented players get kicked and fouled and get the demand to win games and that is the chance he has, that is his role in the team."

Gabby Agbonlahor has urged the Gunners to "stop moaning". He told TalkSport: "It's all you hear off Arteta and Arsenal - get on with it, it's football. Back in your day, you used to get fouled every time you got the ball. Look at the clips of (Diego) Maradona, he used to get two-footed in the chest!"

Samuel Meade