Former Arsenal star takes different view on Bukayo Saka substitution vs Crystal Palace

Bukayo Saka was replaced by Gabriel Martinelli in the 66th minute of Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, despite wearing the captain’s armband for the match

Bukayo Saka’s substitution in the second half of Arsenal’s win over Crystal Palace on Sunday showed “no one is safe” in Mikel Arteta’s squad, according to Theo Walcott. Saka wore the captain’s armband in the absence of Martin Odegaard but was still hauled off by Arteta for Gabriel Martinelli in the 66th minute.

It was Eberechi Eze’s goal which made the difference for the Gunners against Palace. Victory sent Arsenal four points clear at the top of the Premier League, while they are six above Manchester City and seven ahead of defending champions Liverpool.

Arteta used all five substitutes, with William Saliba and Declan Rice replaced due to injuries. But he also withdrew Saka, who had a quiet game on the right wing, meaning Gabriel Magalhaes took the armband for the final 30 minutes of the match.

“Saka was subbed off early on today but I like that because it shows no one is safe,” former Arsenal star Walcott told the BBC ahead of appearing on Match of the Day.

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Arteta himself had a very different explanation for the decision, revealing that Saka has been battling illness recently and he was taken off to avoid any potential injuries.

“He’s been ill, he hasn’t trained really, so we didn’t know whether he was going to be fit, so he made a big effort to be available today,” the Arsenal boss said.

“The doctor was brilliant as well to guide us, to give us the best opportunity for him to be in the best possible condition, so he’s managed to play a few minutes. The longer the game went on, the more he was going to fatigue and risk an injury, and we didn’t want to take that risk.”

Arsenal are now 10 games unbeaten in all competitions and have conceded just three goals this season. They were comfortable in victory over Palace despite not playing their best and Walcott was impressed by what he saw.

“The pattern for Arsenal is that they can play anyone and get results,” he added. “The champions of old don’t concede many goals and Arsenal have belief they’ll make a chance and they’ll take it.

“It’s been a weekend of poor results for teams you’d expect to win. Arsenal’s bad spell this year have ben not playing well but still getting results. I think that’s down to Mikel – he’s really trying to get the level 100 per cent focused throughout the game.”

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