‘Surprised’ – Jamie Redknapp can’t believe what Mikel Arteta did before Port Vale vs Arsenal
Arsenal are set to play Port Vale in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening, and one squad selection from Mikel Arteta has left Jamie Redknapp baffled.
Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday came as welcome evidence that Arteta’s squad depth may help his side compete for a Premier League title this season.
An injury to Noni Madueke put a dampener on the celebrations, with the inform England star set to miss two months of action with a knee injury.
Madueke will be a huge miss for Arsenal, who have just welcomed back William Saliba in a huge boost for the Gunners.
Jamie Redknapp surprised at Bukayo Saka’s inclusion vs Port Vale
Another star Arteta has welcomed back to the side is Bukayo Saka, who was out with a hamstring injury sustained in Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds United.
Saka was named Arsenal captain against Port Vale in the Carabao Cup, and Jamie Redknapp was left stunned by his inclusion.
Speaking in the build-up to the game on Sky Sports, Redknapp said: “I’m really surprised to see Bukayo Saka, considering he’s had the hamstring injury. I understand players need minutes, but it just feels like a risk.
“He needs minutes, I totally get that, but in a game like this, I don’t think you should risk him, because they’ve got a long season ahead and I think you need to be so careful because he’s so important to this Arsenal side. You could see the damage it did to them last year when he was out of the team.”
Bukayo Saka benefits from Noni Madueke’s misfortune
As Saka was nearing full fitness once again, Madueke’s form hit a purple patch, with the winger earning plaudits for his performances for both club and country.
Madueke’s form was sublime, and there looked to be little way back into the squad for Saka on the right side of Arteta’s attack.
Arteta could have pushed Saka or Madueke to the left, but neither would be as effective on that flank, and new signing Eberechi Eze would also have needed a place to play.
| Arsenal’s wide options | Goals | Assists |
| Bukayo Saka | 6 | 10 |
| Noni Madueke | 7 | 3 |
| Eberechi Eze | 8 | 8 |
| Gabriel Martinelli | 8 | 4 |
| Leandro Trossard | 8 | 7 |
Gabriel Martinelli’s late heroics against both Athletic Club and Man City in the last week haven’t helped Arteta’s headaches, as the Spaniard will know he has four premium wingers fighting for two spots when they’re all fully fit.
These are nice problems to have for Arteta, who has been stricken with injury problems throughout his managerial stint at Arsenal.
As the North London club finally build a strong and deep squad, Arteta will know he’s running out of excuses for his side not winning a trophy.