Arsenal took no risks with Bukayo Saka and the Gunners star was replaced during the second half of the Champions League win over Real Madrid following several knocks
Bukayo Saka has sent out a rallying call to his Arsenal team-mates – and said the job is not finished against Real Madrid. The Gunners prevailed 3-0 over Carlo Ancelotti’s side at the Emirates in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.
The north London crowd produced a raucous atmosphere as Mikel Arteta’s men faced the current European champions, and two Declan Rice free kicks and Mikel Merino’s strike sparked jubilation at the ground and beyond. Arsenal will hope to convert that advantage when they make the trip to Madrid next week.
And Saka has expressed his appreciation to the Gunners faithful, and called upon supporters to produce the same again for the trip to the Bernabeu. The England winger offered a focused take when posting to Instagram.
“We asked and you gave us everything, thank you!” said the 23-year-old. “Same energy in Madrid, job’s not finished!” Saka accompanied his post with an image of him producing a thumbs up. Perhaps a sign that there is not too much to worry about after he was forced to hobble off the pitch following treatment by an Arsenal physio on Tuesday night.
READ MORE: Arsenal dressing room reaction to Declan Rice’s heroics speak volumes – ‘Oh my God!’READ MORE: Thibaut Courtois points finger of blame after being beaten by two Declan Rice free-kicks
Saka was in irresistible form against the La Liga giants and put David Alaba in all kinds of trouble during his time on the pitch. The academy product drew free kicks time and again as he tested Real’s defence, and offered Rice the platform to astound.
Arsenal’s talisman appeared to be fouled one time too many however as he was left clutching his ankle and substituted in the 74th minute. Mikel Arteta believes it was nothing to worry about however.
“He’s fine,” Arteta told Prime Video following the game. “I think it was a kick on the free-kick action. He elevates the level of the team. It’s a fear factor every time he’s on the ball because he’s a real threat and on top of that he generates more space for the team.”
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois lamented his team’s decision to give away fouls in opportunistic areas. The Belgian accepted there was little he could do to stop Rice’s impressive efforts.
“I thought I’d positioned the wall well,” Courtois told Movistar. “I usually put an extra man in. I take responsibility for that, I could have put an extra man in, but I thought [Rice] wouldn’t get as much curl on it.
“And the second goal is a great goal. They were unnecessary fouls, when there was no danger. Perhaps we shouldn’t make those fouls.”
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