There was no shock when Bukayo Saka provided the assist for Arsenal‘s opening goal scored by Gabriel Jesus during Tuesday night’s Champions League match in Lens. This has become expected of him. Saka is not only an exceptional talent but is also in exceptional form at the moment. Furthermore, there is concern that he may miss the highly anticipated Premier League clash with Manchester City this coming Sunday due to a lingering injury.
Unquestionable milestone achieved amidst an injury scare
Bukayo Saka’s assist not only cemented his reputation but also marked a historic moment, as he became the first player in Europe’s ‘Big Five’ leagues to amass five goals and five assists this season. However, as inevitable as Saka’s involvement in Gabriel Jesus’ goal seemed, what followed was equally predictable. Shortly after the match had crossed the half-hour mark at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Saka made an audacious attempt at a back-heel pass, only to be met with an unexpected twinge in his hamstring. In clear discomfort, he urgently signaled to the sideline that something was amiss, and without hesitation, the medical team replaced him on the pitch. This unfortunate turn of events has raised concerns about his availability for future fixtures.
A grim situation unfolds: Saka’s injury and Arsenal’s self-inflicted predicament
Manager Mikel Arteta’s post-match admission was grim: “The situation doesn’t look promising.” And indeed, viewed from any angle, the outlook is concerning. Any injury to Bukayo Saka, regardless of its severity, poses a significant challenge for Arsenal. However, the timing of this setback is particularly disastrous, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming high-stakes Premier League clash with Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday. While one can’t help but sympathize with Saka, who may miss what could be the season’s most critical game, it’s difficult to muster much empathy for Arteta or Arsenal considering the predicament they now face. This predicament appears to be largely of their own making, and it feels like a self-inflicted mess.
Zinchenko speaks out: Advocating for Saka’s protection and fair play
When Arsenal secured a 4-2 victory at Aston Villa back in February, the surprise title contenders understandably celebrated their success, particularly for scoring two goals in injury time. However, Oleksandr Zinchenko, who had contributed with a crucial equalizer just after the hour mark, expressed his discontent. In his post-match interview, he took the opportunity to voice his frustration with the treatment that Bukayo Saka had received during the match at Villa Park. Zinchenko praised Saka as an exceptional player, emphasizing that opposing full-backs were well aware of his dangerous abilities, often resorting to provoking him with tough challenges. He stressed the importance of referees recognizing this and ensuring the protection of such talented players. Zinchenko even drew a parallel with top-tier players like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar, highlighting the need for referees to safeguard these kinds of players on the field.
Protecting flair players: Arteta’s insight on Saka’s ongoing battle against opponents
This point remains entirely valid. Players known for their flair in the game should consistently receive protection from match officials. Arteta had no misconceptions about the fact that opposing teams would continue to single out their star player for attention. Arteta acknowledged that Saka would have to confront this physical treatment regularly, not just occasionally, but practically every three days. He emphasized that this was an inherent aspect of Saka’s style of play. Teams, being strategic, aimed to thwart his impact, and therefore, it was Arsenal’s responsibility to ensure his safeguarding.
Saka’s unprecedented durability: The cornerstone of Arsenal’s success
Bukayo Saka’s astonishing Premier League record extends back to May 2021. In the following two years and five months, he has featured in an impressive 87 league games. Even more noteworthy, he has started in a remarkable 83 of these matches. This streak underscores Saka’s exceptional qualities, his unwavering consistency, and his exceptional durability, emphasizing his central role in Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad. His ability to consistently deliver top-tier performances has firmly established him as an indispensable asset for the club.
