Losing the captain and star forward for a long period right at the start of the season would be a huge setback for the team.
The new signings have quickly adapted and already begun contributing directly to victories, and alongside the experienced players, the talented young footballers are also shining. However, Arsenal’s impressive win against Leeds United was not entirely blissful, as two key players left the field with injuries. Among them, Bukayo Saka’s injury is causing the most concern for coach Mikel Arteta.
Although Arsenal had won their season opener against Manchester United last week, there was dissatisfaction within the camp over the team’s performance. That disappointment was largely erased against Leeds. In Saturday’s Premier League clash, the team dominated in attack throughout and secured a 5-0 victory.
Apart from the overall team performance, Arsenal’s biggest achievement in the match was the brace from new signing Viktor Gyökeres. Additionally, 15-year-old Max Doman, who came through the club’s academy, impressed. Playing only the last half-hour as a substitute, the young English attacking midfielder made his mark and even won a penalty in stoppage time.
From that penalty, Swedish striker Gyökeres, who joined Arsenal from Sporting, scored his second goal. Dutch defender Jurriën Timber also scored twice, and English forward Saka added another.
On top of that, Arsenal secured Ainsley Ajeke from Crystal Palace on the same day after winning their battle against Tottenham Hotspur. The young English midfielder watched his teammates’ commanding performance from the stands. Overall, it could have been a perfect day, but the two injuries across the halves brought concern to Arteta.
In the first half, captain Martin Ødegaard left the field after a shoulder injury. Then, at the end of the first half, Saka, who had brilliantly scored the team’s second goal, exited in the 54th minute with a hamstring problem.
Last season, Saka missed almost four months due to another hamstring injury, which had heavily affected the London club. This time, Arteta wants to avoid a similar scenario, but he fears the star forward might be sidelined for a period again.
“Bukayo, when he was running with the ball and contesting with a defender, felt something in his hamstring,” Arteta said.
“Let’s see exactly what it is. I think it’s not the same hamstring as the previous injury. The way Bukayo left the field, it definitely seemed serious.”
Neither of the two injuries was caused by a foul from the opposition. Ødegaard felt the shoulder issue suddenly while playing. He initially continued but could not last long. In the 38th minute, the coach substituted him with 18-year-old Ethan Waanike.
About the 26-year-old star’s injury, Arteta added, “Martin felt something when he fell. We don’t know how bad it is right now. Tomorrow, after a proper scan, we’ll have a clearer picture.”
After this impressive victory, Arsenal have six points from two matches and sit atop the table. Tottenham Hotspur also have six points but are second due to goal difference.
