Mikel Arteta hails Bukayo Saka’s determination and intelligence ahead of Arsenal’s Bournemouth clash
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Bukayo Saka’s determination and intelligence ahead of the Gunners’ clash with Bournemouth on Saturday. The 22-year-old is set to defy the odds and play despite injury concerns, having already played in 86 consecutive Premier League matches – a club record.
The winger limped off during last Sunday’s North London Derby, with Arteta revealing on Friday morning that the England star – alongside three others – haven’t trained at all. However, it transpired later that evening that Saka and co. have indeed travelled with the rest of the squad to Bournemouth and is expected to start at the Vitality.
Saka’s Mentality
Given his young age and the amount of fouls he receives – over 70 since the start of last season – it is a wonder how the 22-year-old is able to play so often. Arteta has attributed this to Saka’s mentality, saying: “If you want to be the player that he wants to be, you need to have that mindset that you want to play every single minute.”
The Arsenal manager also spoke about the support around Saka, and how he is learning to protect himself better. He said: “The support is good around him. He’s got a lot of ingredients, who knows how long that run can go. We have to protect him, that’s for sure. And we have to make sure that we understand when is the right moment to give him that. But there is something within that is growing and that’s a really important part of his game.”
Arsenal’s Unbeaten Start
Arsenal take on Bournemouth on Saturday as they look to maintain their unbeaten start to the season and close the gap to leaders Manchester City. Saka has been instrumental in this, having started this campaign with three goals and two assists so far.
Arteta will be hoping that Saka can continue his impressive form against Bournemouth and help Arsenal extend their unbeaten run. The Gunners are currently sixth in the Premier League table, just four points behind Manchester City.
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