Bukayo Saka [Pedro-Soares/SP]

MIKEL Arteta has side-stepped any concerns about the treatment that Bukayo Saka is receiving from opponents this season, insisting that it’s all part of the game.

The winger once again hobbled off the field in the closing stages of Arsenal’s 2-0 Champions League win over Sevilla on Wednesday after being subjected to a series of late challenges. It’s at least the fourth time this term that Saka has had to be substituted early through injury, thankfully none of them too serious.

Arteta had a somewhat resigned expression on his face as he tackled questions about Saka being repeatedly fouled.

“Well, there is contact in football and obviously for the wingers who want to take people on this is going to happen,” said the Gunners boss, perhaps eager to avoid another storm. “I think he’s getting used to it.

“I don’t think that’s going to change, especially the way he plays and the way he attracts players – so he better get used to it.”

Playing down any concerns that Saka is now a doubt for tomorrow’s (Saturday) Premier League outing against Burnley at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta added: “It was just a kick and I was told by the physios that he wasn’t happy to continue. He will have some discomfort but hopefully, I want to assume that he will be OK.”

It comes in a week in which Arteta stood by his comments relating to Anthony Gordon’s controversial winner for Newcastle on Saturday at St James’ Park.

VAR officials were certainly kept busy as they tried to check if the ball had gone out of play in the build-up to the goal, and if Joelinton had pushed Gabriel before the ball found its way to Gordon, who then looked offside.

Arteta cut a furious figure after the goal was allowed to stand, describing the decision as “disgraceful” and “embarrassing”. Arsenal subsequently released a statement in support of their manager, asking Professional Game Match Officials Limited to “urgently address” officiating standards.

Arteta has now also doubled down, saying: “It is my duty to stand in front of you, to stand in front of the cameras and give a very clear and honest assessment of what happens in the game. This is what I did. I reflected very openly how I felt that the team played, and how the game was conditioned by the decisions which were made.
“It’s my duty to defend my players, support my players, support my club, [and] defend my people in the best possible way, and this is what I’m going to do, time after time.”

Asked how to prevent such mistakes from happening, Arteta said: “Errors are part of an evolution. There are always bumps along the road and maybe these things are necessary to improve the game in the right way.”