Emile Smith Rowe believes there’s no surprise that Bukayo Saka is being fouled by opponents as it’s difficult to dispossess him.
Saka seemed to suffer a nasty injury during the draw with Palace.
Just minutes before the break, Saka was brought down by Crystal Palace's James McArthur as he appeared to swipe the legs of the Arsenal player from behind.
McArthur picked up a booking for the offence, but Saka had to be substituted at half-time.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Mikel Arteta confirmed why he didn’t play on: “We had to take [Saka] off because he could not continue.
“He was very sore in the area. When I look at the action I cannot understand how the [Palace] player can continue playing.”
Although the injury could’ve been a lot worse judging by how it looked, Smith Rowe – who graduated with Saka from the Hale End academy – thinks that the challenge can actually be perceived as complimentary, because it shows how players struggle to get the ball off the England star.
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As quoted by Football Daily, via HITC, the Arsenal No.10 said: “It’s so hard to get the ball off him, even in training, so I’m not surprised other players are fouling him. Everyone knows how good he is and we’re so proud of him.”
Arsenal are expected to be without Saka for their clash with Aston Villa tonight, but Gunners fans will be hoping to see him return to action soon.
On the other hand, Smith Rowe is likely to start, and he will be looking to play a key role in helping the Gunners get their fourth win of the new Premier League season.
