Mikel Arteta Stuns Press By Saying Bukayo Saka May Start Against Manchester City

Bukayo Saka has hobbled off the pitch in the last three games he’s started for Arsenal but Arteta has stunned the media in his press conference by saying Saka is in contention to start for Arsenal against Man City on Sunday. 

Saka was one of the 26 names that Gareth Southgate chose in the October England squad but few were expecting Saka to get any minutes whilst in the England camp. John Stones is another name in the England squad despite Guardiola claiming he isn’t fit to start against Arsenal.

Arteta has eased Arsenal fans’ nerves ahead of the huge Man City clash claiming that he could start on Sunday:

“He’s in contention. That’s it, what they told me. I’m not a doctor.”

Arteta also gave an update on Thomas Partey:

“Thomas Partey is ahead of schedule. He will be in the squad.”

Arteta recalls how huge the community shield victory against Man City was for them but demands his team to be more consistent after losing in France on Tuesday. 

“We are searching for consistency. In this league, you need to be at your best all the time. We’ve been better at ‘if you can’t win, don’t lose’ except midweek in the Champions League [vs Lens].

“It requires you to be at your best every three days.” It was important for us, winning a title against City is something you have to value, the way we did it as well. It gave us confidence that we can beat them.

“It was a while ago, after pre-season. We had some players available, some not. We are much more into the season, it will be a different game.

“We know we will have to be at our best in every department for 100 minutes. Winning will be a big boost, apart from that and the three points, nothing else.”

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