Mikel Arteta indicated he was not best pleased by Chelsea’s handling of Bukayo Saka at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.
Speaking after his side defeated the Blues 1-0, Arteta rather sarcastically responded to the overzealous conduct directed towards Saka.
The England international will surely have a few bumps and bruises to heal following a derby full of fouls and skirmishes.
He and Marc Cucurella came extremely acquainted down the left channel, with the pair regularly trading blows.
Arteta unhappy with Chelsea
There was one instance in the first half that truly light the blue touch paper and made Arteta see red.
Saka received a yellow card from Michael Oliver after the referee deemed his challenge on Cucurella an illegal one.
Just seconds before, the Chelsea left-back was not cautioned for a tackle on Arsenal’s number seven, despite protests from the visiting dugout.
“You saw me on that touchline. I was really calm and happy with the decisions…” remarked Arteta when asked about the treatment of his young Gunner.
“Bukayo, he does not dive.”
Arsenal get the last laugh
Although Saka certainly felt the force of Chelsea’s sometimes clumsy approach, the final result meant he walked away metaphorically unscathed.
Arsenal managed to land the killer blow on the Blues, thanks to a simple tap in from Gabriel in the second half.
An easier goal will unlikely be conceded at the Bridge for some time.
All manner of men wearing blue allowed the ball to sail past them and land at the boot of the Brazilian defender.
It represented another step in the wrong direction for Potter and co., who are currently miles off Arteta’s triumphant troop.
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