Arsenal’s Complaint about Fouls on Bukayo Saka Raises Questions
In a surprising turn of events, Arsenal has lodged a complaint with the PGMOL regarding the repeated fouls on their player, Bukayo Saka. However, there are several reasons why this complaint may not hold much weight.
Saka ranked as the third-most fouled player in the Premier League in 2023, trailing only Crystal Palace’s Jordan Ayew and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes. This has prompted Arsenal to voice their concerns about the treatment Saka receives on the field. Yet, it is debatable whether their complaint is entirely valid.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal has taken issue with the persistent challenges faced by Saka, resulting in him becoming one of the most fouled players in the league. However, it is worth noting that Mohamed Salah, another prominent winger, ranks significantly lower on the list at 68th place. This statistic alone does not provide the full picture.
The data reveals that Saka is fouled more frequently than most players, but it only accounts for challenges that referees deem as fouls. In reality, officials are already offering more protection to the 22-year-old compared to Salah, who often faces unpunished aggressive handling.
Mikel Arteta previously advised Saka not to rely on referees for assistance when facing opponents’ challenges. However, recent figures suggest that this reliance on referees is becoming increasingly necessary. Arsenal’s complaints revolve around the lack of bookings for tackles on Saka, but Jurgen Klopp may argue that simply penalizing opponents when Salah is brought down would be a good starting point.
It is also worth mentioning that Saka narrowly avoided a red card during Arsenal’s recent 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield. As the two teams prepare to face each other again in the FA Cup third round, it is important to note that Salah will not be available for the clash as he has already departed for the Africa Cup of Nations.
In conclusion, it remains to be seen which winger will win the most fouls in 2024. However, it is clear that Arsenal’s complaint about fouls on Saka raises questions about the consistency of refereeing decisions and the treatment of players on the field.