Mikel Arteta clarifies Bukayo Saka substitution against Port Vale – and praises Eze’s immediate impact | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta says Bukayo Saka’s substitution shortly after the hour mark against Port Vale was a planned one.

Saka made his first start following his recent hamstring injury as the Gunners won 2-0 to progress to the Carabao Cup fourth round.

He was taken off on 63 minutes shortly after being on the receiving end of a heavy tackle, but Arteta says he is fine and that the substitution was not due to that.

“It was planned, 60 minutes was the maximum,” Arteta said.

“We had four, almost five players already in the line-up that we had to get out for different reasons because they’re coming from long periods out.

“So, we planned for that, and the good thing is that nobody got injured, so no muscular issues. So, that’s a very positive thing.”

Ebere Eze scored his first goal for Arsenal in the win before Leandro Trossard added another off the bench, and Arteta says he is looking forward to seeing Eze when he has fully adapted to his new team-mates.

“He needs to still play more time a little bit with those guys to understand the timings, especially of the things that he needs to do, and then actions like that will be more consistent and better for us,” the Gunners boss said.

“In general, very good. There is still a lot more to give, I think.

“At the end what we want to do with him is to get him in positions, in spaces that he can create his magic moments and the difference in the team.

“And sometimes it will be from the wide area, sometimes it will be from the right or left in relation to the opposition as well.”