Jamie Redknapp says Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta did something vs Port Vale that made absolutely no sense

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal secured a 2-0 win against Port Vale in the Carabao Cup.

Mikel Arteta made nine changes to his side from the draw against Manchester City. Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard made their debuts, while a few others got their first starts of the season.

Arsenal were dominant for large parts of the game and should’ve won by more goals. However, strikes from Eberechi Eze and Leandro Trossard proved to be enough in the end.

One thing Arteta did in the game, however, did not go down well with Jamie Redknapp.

Jamie Redknapp says Mikel Arteta’s Bukayo Saka decision made no sense

Bukayo Saka started for Arsenal against Port Vale on Wednesday night.

The England international spent a spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury he picked up in the game against Leeds United.

Saka was out for a few weeks but made his return as a substitute in the game against Manchester City on Sunday.

When the team sheets were revealed on Wednesday night, Redknapp was shocked to see Saka named in the starting line-up.

He claimed that Arteta’s decision to start his number seven made no sense.

When asked if Arteta should’ve started Saka, he said on Sky Sports before the game, as quoted by the Metro: “He obviously feels he does. The sports scientist will be telling him he needs minutes, [but] it’s certainly a risk.

“When you’ve had a player who’s had a hamstring injury like he has, not that long ago, any time you play in a game that’s less important, it doesn’t make any sense to me.

“You’ve got a big game at the weekend against Newcastle. You’ve got a lot of players who could’ve played [against Port Vale]. It’s not like you need him tonight.

“I think it’s a risk. This is the second time he’s done his hamstring, albeit a different one. It just feels like a game not taking a risk in.”

Mikel Arteta reveals why Bukayo Saka was substituted after 60 minutes

Saka played really well after coming on at half-time against Manchester City, and he wasn’t too bad at Vale Park either.

After an hour, a decision was made to replace the England international. Max Dowman, who warmed up with the starting XI instead of the substitutes before the game, took his place.

In his post-match press conference, Arteta was asked why Saka was taken off.

He replied, as per Arsenal.com: “It was planned – 60 minutes was the maximum. We had four, almost five players already in the line-up that we had to get him out for different reasons, especially for load and coming from long periods out, so we planned for that.

“The good thing is that nobody got injured, so he has no muscular issues. So that’s a very positive thing again.”