Mikel Arteta has explained his decision to bench Bukayo Saka for Arsenal's Premier League encounter with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. The Gunners have the opportunity to move nine points clear at the top of the table after title rivals Manchester City lost 2-0 to Manchester United.
Arteta made three changes to the side that beat Chelsea 3-2 in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday. David Raya replaced Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal, while Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli came in for Saka and Leandro Trossard.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Arteta cited squad rotation as the reason for Saka's absence: 'We have a lot of games, so freshness. The capacity as well to change the game in any moment and a profile of wingers that we think will suit what we want to do in the game well.'
The Arsenal manager had previously emphasised his desire to 'protect' Saka to 'get the best out of him', acknowledging the unique workload the young winger has shouldered since breaking into the first team.
Viktor Gyokeres retained his place up front after ending a ten-game goal drought from open play in the midweek win. Arteta expressed confidence in the striker, saying, 'Yes, and maintain now the momentum that he's built after the great performance that he had against Chelsea and we go again.'
Arteta also praised Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche, describing his team as 'really well organised' and 'experienced'. He added: 'We are where we want to be, and we know the amount of work we still have to do and the difficulty of every game, so we just focus on that.'
