Arteta explains Saka’s injury and praises ‘very impressive’ Arsenal | OneFootball

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has explained the injury suffered by Bukayo Saka that forced his withdrawal from the Gunners’ lineup against Leeds.

The England international had initially been named in Arsenal’s starting XI at Elland Road. However, he was replaced by Noni Madueke following the warm-up.

“So in the warm-up he had a little niggle,” explained Arteta. “He wasn’t comfortable to start the game.

“So immediately we made a decision to make that change and bring Noni in.”

Madueke went on to play a key role in both goals scored by Arsenal in the first-half. His manager continued: “He was ready, because you cannot do that in two minutes.

“The way he prepares, the way he’s waiting for opportunity, I think it paid off today because he really impacted the team.”

After a run of three league matches without a victory, the Premier League leaders were in need of a reaction. It was produced brilliantly at Elland Road, as the Gunners defeated an in-form Leeds side 4-0.

Arteta reflected: “Well, very, very happy obviously. A very impressive performance, a very impressive result.

“And in the context that we’ve done it, with the difficulty of the game and the opponent that we’re facing, with the recent form and the style of play that they have at the moment, the energy that the stadium brings.

“And then the fact that it is after three results that didn’t go our way in the league.

“We really wanted to show how much we wanted it and I think we’ve certainly done that today.”

The victory extends Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table to seven points.

The Spaniard continued: “The expectation is to win every game. We compete against incredible opponents. And we know that’s the case.

“But that has to fuel your energy and desire to win more than anything else, in my opinion.”