Former Tottenham player and Talk Sport pundit Jamie O’Hara suggests that Arsenal should take steps to protect Bukayo Saka by substituting him in matches that they have already secured a comfortable lead.
Saka has been a standout player for Arsenal and has played a pivotal role in the team’s resurgence over the past two seasons. His consistent performances have made him a crucial asset for the Gunners, and Mikel Arteta often keeps him on the pitch for extended periods to maximise his influence on the game.
While this strategy has proven effective, with Saka scoring twice in each of his last two matches, O’Hara believes that in matches where Arsenal is winning convincingly, the club should consider substituting Saka early to reduce the risk of potential injuries.
He said on Talk Sport:
“You want to keep him fit, you have got a lot of games coming, you are fighting for the title. Today the game was over, the game was done, he put in another top performance, get him off, protect him.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
Saka is a player we cannot lose to an injury, and O’Hara’s fears are valid. In matches we have won convincingly, we can take him off to avoid any late tackle that could sideline him for a long time.
Never thought I’d agree with this man, but he makes complete sense to me.
Same with Martinelli although to be fair, MA has subbed the latter quite a bit.
Bring on Trossard and Jesus if the game is won, or even as a double sub, if we’re looking to change up front.
The same goes for Odegaard and ESR.
The winter break seems to have worked wonders and substitutions have been made, due in no small part to the dramatic winning score lines.
With the CL resuming on Wednesday, management of the key players is going to be crucial and it is important for Arteta to realise over playing Saka, as an example, may well be counterproductive.
On the other side of the coin, the goal tally has been incredibly important to our league position and could quite easily have an impact on our standing in May
Yes SueP, everyone seems to have found a new leash on life.
The Kroenke’s may need to strike the rod whilst hot.
Depending on the kind of teams we play, you don’t expect aterta to sub him against team like Man city even if we are winning 5 nil in the first half.
For once, I agree with pundit/s. Saka is at times overloaded and subject to nasty tactics and fouls thus endangering him to unwanted injuries. When the game is done and dusted, Arteta should sub him and also use him less by not starting him against less difficult teams. Also, I think Arsenal should sign either Neto or Raphinha this summer to reduce the workload on Saka.
I want McNeil or Micheal olise period