Arsenal dealt blow as star man gets substituted after picking up knock
Arsenal look to have been dealt a blow following star attacker Bukayo Saka being substituted after picking up a knock in the 1-0 Premier League win at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. The English winger has been a pivotal part of Mikel Arteta's side, scoring once and setting up thrice in his opening three games for the Gunners.
Saka was enjoying a fine game for the Gunners in the North London derby, picking up another assist. He couldn't finish the game, though, being taken off in the 86th minute by Ethan Nwaneri.
Arsenal will await definitive news on the situation surrounding the forward and hope he doesn't join their growing list of injuries that includes Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
The Gunners prevailed at Spurs, thanks to Gabriel's 64th-minute winner. Despite Saka's potential injury, they next face UEFA Europa League holders Atalanta in Bergamo on Thursday.
Arsenal legend believes Mikel Arteta "is frustrated" by Gabriel Martinelli's performance in North London derby
Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Gabriel Martinelli's finishing will have frustrated Mikel Arteta in the dugout. The Brazilian didn't have the best game of his career and was taken off in the second half for Raheem Sterling.
The forward has often failed to live up to expectations, scoring 41 times and providing 24 assists in 10,800 minutes spread across 177 games across competitions.
Speaking about the Martinelli, Wright said (via HITC):
“I think with the Martinelli one especially, (frustrating). The way it’s going, at the minute, I like the way Arsenal are playing. In games like this, especially with the Martinelli chance, you have to get the goal in the bag, then as the time goes, you might get your chance. It looks like Udogie gets back in time.
"If the ball comes across, then Saka would have made it in front of him. I think Martinelli, in that instant, should be looking to get the goal. I would like to have seen him pass. The manager (is frustrated) as well, by the looks of it. “
Martinelli is yet to make a goal contribution for the Gunners this season.