Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta explained why he subbed off Bukayo Saka at half-time as he also provided an update on Gabriel Martinelli’s condition.
Saka was forced to leave the pitch at half-time while Martinelli was substituted in the 64th minute in Arsenal’s 6-0 rout against Sheffield United in the Premier League on Monday. Arsenal manager Arteta later clarified that the England international was not feeling right after the first half which prompted him to substitute the player. The Brazilian, on the other hand, got a cut after a challenge from an opposition player.
Speaking to reporters after the match, the Gunners boss said, “Bukayo was feeling sick and not feeling right. With Martinelli, it was a slight cut so we have to see how he is.”
The Gunners extended their Premier League winning streak to seven games as they thrashed The Blades at Bramall Lane. Captain Martin Odegaard opened the scoring for his side in the fifth minute before Jayden Bogle’s own goal doubled their lead. Later, Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice also found the back of the net as the north London side took a 5-0 lead in the first half. Ben White then scored a sixth goal in the 58th minute to seal a statement win for Arteta’s men.
The club will be next seen in action on Saturday as they take on Brentford in a league clash before shifting focus to the Champions League where they face Porto in the second leg of their round of 16 clash.
