[ad_1]
Mikel Arteta has moved to cool the excitement surrounding Bukayo Saka after the 19-year-old got another flashy performance in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Brighton.
Saka produced his second man-of-the-match display in four days as Arsenal followed their 3-1 win over Chelsea on Boxing Day with a hard-fought victory on the south coast.
The academy product, which scored Arsenal’s third goal against Chelsea, provided the assist to Alexandre Lacazette’s goal at Amex Stadium and caused problems for Brighton throughout, further underscoring his status as one of the best young players. from the country.
But Arteta is determined to avoid overloading Saka with expectations and says that she must be given room to continue her development.
“I would like everyone to be cautious, let it be and let it develop,” said the Arsenal manager.
“I think he’s having the right progression. I think he has the right people around him at home, in his entourage.
“And he also has the right teammates to support him at all times, giving him confidence and keeping his feet on the court.
“So hopefully we can be the right coaches around him and the right club to see the player he can be in the future.”
Saka limped off in the later stages of Amex Stadium, but Arteta doesn’t think his injury is serious. “He took on a great challenge, but I hope he’s okay,” he said.
The Spaniard was also satisfied with how the young man recovered from a difficult first half.
2:59
FREE TO SEE: Highlights from Arsenal’s victory over Brighton in the Premier League
“Today he had a difficult game in the first half because we were not taking advantage of certain moments to generate advantages for him and other attacking players in the right way,” Arteta said.
“So the game gets really tough all the time, going back to goal against a back-five on a low block.
“In the second half, the moment we start playing different balls and attacking in a different way, we find more freedom, more space and more ability to unlock situations and block.
“We created four or five great opportunities and he was involved in most of them.”
‘Lacazette stepped forward at a difficult time’
Alexandre Lacazette celebrates the goal shortly after entering as a substitute
Arteta praised striker Lacazette, who found the net for the third straight game just 21 seconds after coming off the bench at Amex Stadium.
The Arsenal manager revealed that the Frenchman was not fit enough to start the game due to a back problem and praised the attitude he has shown in helping to get the team out of its routine.
“I think this is what all coaches dream of, bringing people off the bench and winning the game like he did tonight,” Arteta said.
“I think he’s been in really good shape the last few weeks. He’s been scoring goals. He’s full of confidence. He had back pain today, so he couldn’t start the game. But he came in and won the game for us.” which is enormously important.
“We need great players and veteran players to step up in these difficult times and he is doing it with confidence.
“The forward players also need their teammates to support them and put them in situations like the ones he has had today as often as possible.
“But at the same time they have to step up and create these opportunities themselves. I think Laca is working very hard.
“Since I’ve been here, his work has never been a problem. His scoring record could improve, but he’s improving because he’s very willing to do it for us too.”
[ad_2]
