While we are still basking in the euphoria of a very sweet victory over Manchester City, there was the business of international football to contend with and prior to the Manchester City game, we had learned that Bukayo Saka was called up for the England national team.
Hearing the news of the national team call up have Arsenal fans some hope that he was going to feature in the game, but Mikel Arteta confirmed that he had not trained, so it made sense to leave him out entirely.
Gabriel Jesus was asked to do the job on the right wing and he performed admirably, battling hard with Josko Gvardiol and providing adequate support to Ben White behind him. The final whistle was like music to the ears of everyone connected with Arsenal and the Gunners go into the break still unbeaten, joint top with their eternal rivals, Tottenham, and in very high spirits.
In more encouraging news, it has been reported that Saka has been withdrawn from the England national team, which will give him time to recuperate from his injuries and be in the best state of fitness to start another 87 consecutive Premier League games, as the uber-consistent talisman that he is.
Staying away from international football exertions will allow Saka work on his fitness as Mikel Arteta hopes that he will have his main man fit for the clash against Chelsea. After a stuttering start to the season, Mauricio Pochettino and his men found themselves in the lower echelons of the Premier League Table after close to £1 billion spent since Todd Boehly’s arrival, but two wins on the bounce against Fulham and Burnley has seen the Blues pick up some form and they will be hoping to put up a good show against Arsenal.
When the Gunners visited Stamford Bridge last season, Arteta’s me ran the show from start to finish and the 1-0 scoreline wss rather flattering to the home side on the night. But a lot has changed since both sides met and I’m sure that Bukayo Saka will be itching to take to the pitch with his comrades as the Gunners continue their surge for their first Premier League title in 20 years.
At least, with Saka out of the England squad, he has a good chance of featuring in Stamford Bridge.
Sayonara.
