Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

'Let Saka rest!' - Concerned Arsenal fans react to what Mikel Arteta has done against West Ham

Mikel Arteta's team selection for this afternoon's Premier League fixture against West Ham United has got a number of Arsenal fans talking.

The Gunners go into the game on the back of a 1-0 loss at the hands of Olympiacos on Thursday night as they still managed to reach the Europa League quarter-final thanks to a 3-2 aggregate win.

However, Arsenal's domestic form means they will likely have to win the Europa League in order to seal a return to the Champions League for next season.

Despite victory in the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, Arteta's side sit 10th in the table with 41 points from 28 games.

And in an attempt to jump above Aston Villa in the Premier League table - albeit for a couple of hours - Arteta has made several changes to the side which started against Olympiacos.

Six to be exact.

Thomas Partey, Pablo Mari, Alexandre Lacazette, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Odegaard are among those recalled, while Calum Chambers starts for only the second time in the Premier League this season.

Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks set for a role wide on the left and there is a place on the bench for Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal XI: Leno; Chambers, David Luiz, Pablo Mari, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Aubameyang; Lacazette

Most of the reaction from Arsenal supporters on social media has centered around the inclusion of Saka as many feel he is in need of a rest.

Take a look at some of the best responses on Twitter...

@WrightysTooth said: "Martinelli needs to be eased in but Saka can be run into the ground."

@TylerAFC_said: "The treatment of Martinelli is so unfair."

@JackChambers_said: "Playing Saka after one day of full training. He’s gonna be the next Wilshere."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.