Mikel Arteta: Arsenal Refrain from Complaining About Bukayo Saka’s Rough Treatment

In a recent statement, Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal Football Club, clarified that the club has not lodged any complaints with the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) regarding the rough treatment received by their talented winger, Bukayo Saka. However, he emphasized that referees are well aware of opposition tactics.

Contrary to reports claiming otherwise, Arteta revealed that while they maintain daily communication with match officials’ governing body, there have been no specific discussions on this particular topic. “I believe referees possess knowledge about opponents’ strategies and certain players who tend to attract more tackles,” said Arteta during his press conference.

Aware of their wingers frequently provoking fouls and grabbing attention over the past two years or so, Arteta considers it a normal part of the game. He further added that such fouling occurrences are common when you have players like Saka in your team.

Foul Statistics for Bukayo Saka:

This season alone, Saka has won an impressive total of 43 fouls for Arsenal. Notably leading this category are Jordan Ayew from Crystal Palace (65) and Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United (53). In response to these challenges faced by their young English forward out on the field, opposing players have accumulated seven yellow cards due to committing fouls against him.

Tactical Fouls Against Saka:

• Reckless Offenses: Five yellow cards were shown to opposition players for reckless fouls against Saka.
• Strategic Fouling: Two yellow cards were handed out to Lucas Digne from Aston Villa and Tom Cairney from Fulham. These incidents fall under the category of tactical fouls.

An interesting comparison can be made with Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling, who has been fouled 31 times, resulting in 14 yellow cards being issued to his opponents.