Mikel Arteta has angered Arsenal fans for one bold decision he made during the Gunners’ win over Preston North End.
Arsenal returned to action following their 2-2 draw with Liverpool, taking on a different kind of challenge against Championship outfit Preston.
Arteta’s side emerged victorious from the EFL Cup clash at Deepdale, with goals from Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and teenager Ethan Nwaneri getting the job done.
The North Londoners will be satisfied with their display to progress in the tournament however, Arteta does have one thing to answer to.
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Arsenal fans rage at Mikel Arteta playing Bukayo Saka vs Preston
The game was a chance for the manager to rotate his squad, with several fringe players earning valuable minutes.
17-year-old Nwaneri made his second senior start, while goalkeeper Tommy Setford made history simply by starting the game.
Arteta will be praised for handing minutes out to those who do not play frequently, which in turn, made fans incredibly frustrated to see Bukayo Saka in action.
After pleading for Saka’s return following his hamstring injury, Arsenal supporters shared their annoyance at the manager giving the winger 30 minutes against Preston.
“Why am I seeing Saka pls?” one fan asked, while another shared a similar opinion by saying, “I don’t get why take the risk?”
“He’s using Saka like a bar of soap,” a concerned supporter stated, with fans begging Arteta to give the 23-year-old a rest.
Many jumped onto X to ask questions of Arteta, with the manager even branded a ‘plonker’ for calling Saka into action.
“Sometimes Arteta is a total plonker,” an opinion that other fans shared when addressing Arteta’s touchline activity.
“God forbid anything happens to Saka because I will show up in Arteta’s nightmares,” a stern supporter warned, while another called the manager ‘weird’.
“Arteta is too weird man, why are you subbing on Saka?”
Some were more understanding of the boss’ decision, with one Arsenal follower sharing one reason why the England international might have featured.
“Basically a training session. If he doesn’t come on he has to do a post match warm down. I’m guessing he’d prefer to play.”
Saka inclusion surprised many in the EFL Cup
If there was one player that fans did not expect to see on Wednesday night, it was Saka, who has just returned from injury.
The Englishman made a dramatic return against Liverpool in the Premier League, announcing himself with a superb goal in the opening nine minutes of the clash.
As the winger did not show any sign of rustiness against the Reds, it was assumed by some that Arteta would not play his number seven when the stakes were lower at Deepdale.
Still, Saka played and fortunately ended the game with no concern.
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