"What are they doing?", "You joking?" - Arsenal fans in disbelief as superstar left out of squad to face Everton in crucial PL clash
Arsenal fans on X were surprised after Bukayo Saka was left out of the matchday squad to face Everton at the Emirates Stadium (May 19). The Gunners will need to secure all three points and hope Manchester City drop points in their fixture against West Ham United to be crowned Premier League champions.
Mikel Arteta and Co. have had a phenomenal campaign and are currently second in the standings with 86 points from 37 games, two points behind City. Bukayo Saka has been an integral part of their success, registering 16 goals and nine assists in 35 appearances in the Premier League.
David Raya starts in goal for Arsenal. Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Takehiro Tomiyasu make up the defense. The midfield consists of Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard, while Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz start up front to complete the starting XI.
As per Arsenal's official X handle, Saka has reportedly missed out on the squad due to a slight muscle issue. Fans were unhappy with this as one posted:
"What are they doing?"
Another fan wrote:
"Your joking???"
Other fan reactions can be viewed below:
"Bro sitting out a potentially title winning match is unbelievable. Wow", one fan pointed out.
"Wish him safe recovery", one fan wrote.
"Speedy recovery bukayo. Hope we can see u with a trophy at 6 pm. Faint hope is on no matter what", one fan stated.
"SAKA NOWHERE TO BE SEEN???" one fan questioned.
"Now he gives Saka a rest", one fan blamed Arteta.
"Wow no Saka on the final day of the season", another fan chimed in.
What happened the last time Arsenal faced Everton in the Premier League?
Arsenal face Everton knowing a win could potentially secure them their first Premier League title in 21 years. With so much at stake, let's take a look at what happened the last time these two sides faced each other.
Everton hosted the Gunners at Goodison Park on September 17, 2023, where the visitors clinched a hard-fought 1-0 win via Leandro Trossard's goal (69'). Arsenal dominated the game with 74 percent possession and landed 13 shots with four on target, whereas the Toffees could only muster eight shots with one being on target.
The Gunners will be the firm favorites to get the win today. They have lost just one out of their last 27 league home games against Everton, winning four and drawing two, with their last loss being a 1-0 defeat back in April 2021.