Mikel Arteta Explains Why He Benched Arsenal New Hero Saka Against Everton

Published: February 23, 2020

Mikel Arteta has had to make some tough decisions in the ongoing game between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium.

The Spanish coach has opted to bench Bukayo Saka who has provided assists in each of his last two games as well as Alexandre Lacazette, who has found the net in his last two appearances.

The fit again Bosnian international Sead Kolasinac is preferred over the England U19 international for the left-back position.

Just before the start of the game, Arteta was asked by Sky Sports why he decided to omit Saka from the starting line-up and he explained that some players had physical issues upon their return to London from Athens, where they faced Olympiakos in the Europa League three days back.

The former Everton midfielder added that he chose the starting line-up with an eye to the Europa League round of 32 match against the Greek side this coming Thursday.

Saka has been responsible for nine of the goals scored by the Gunners in all competitions so far this season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com