𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Mikel Arteta has defended Bukayo Saka, saying he “fully trusts and loves” the winger after he was substituted in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw away to Bayer Leverkusen.

The 24-year-old was the first player withdrawn at the BayArena, replaced by Noni Madueke on 60 minutes after a subpar performance — which proved justified as Madueke won the late penalty which rescued a draw for his side.

Saka has had scrutiny over his attacking output throughout the 2025-26 season, having hit double figures for goals and assists in each of his last three full campaigns.

This year, he has six goals (joint 30th) and three assists (joint 41st) in the Premier League, but ranks fifth in the division for expected assists (5.67), fifth for chances created including assists (50) and second for chances created from open play (43), per Opta.

Here’s what Arteta said at yesterday’s news conference:

💬 “With B, fully trust him and love him. What he’s doing for this club is just incredible at his age. He’s continued to have a massive impact for us.

“He can have an individual performance that is not a reflection of his level, like every human and player in the world.

“But when you look at his strength and the impact he has on the team, it’s just incredible.”