Mikel Arteta Raises Concern Over Arsenal Star Following Nottingham Forest Draw

Last Updated:January 19, 2026, 08:26 IST

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta discusses Bukayo Saka's fitness and team strategy after a 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest.

Mikel Arteta catches the ball during the English Premier League game between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal (Picture credit: AP)

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has stated that Bukayo Saka played a lot and suffered a niggle, adding that the team will need to manage its players accordingly, following Arsenal’s 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest. Saka didn’t start the game.

After Arsenal’s goalless draw at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, January 17, Mikel Arteta’s men are seven points clear of third-placed Villa.

Arsenal are chasing a first English title since 2004 and the stumbles from City and Villa this weekend have tightened their grip on the title race.

“Bukayo had a lot of minutes and he had a niggle before the game, so we need to manage our players. We have some fantastic players who can provide different things and we did try it from the beginning," Arteta said after the game.

“We also tried it after half-time, taking more risks and bringing in even more players to those attacking options. We tried in every way and it was not enough," Arteta added.

Another concern for the Gunners is Viktor Gyokeres’ form. Arteta acknowledged he wants more from the striker but stressed that the problem cannot be addressed by the forward alone.

“We want the players to be decisive at this level because we need them to score goals and create moments where we can unlock the door and get an opening which changes the game and we have not managed to take that and that is everybody’s responsibility," Arteta said.

The head coach also noted that they missed an opportunity to extend their lead over Manchester City but expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform well this season.

“Every week is an opportunity. We want to win every game and if we had done that, we would have been in a different position. But we made a step, a smaller one than the one we wanted, but it is a step," Arteta said.

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