Arsenal have reportedly made a complaint to the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) over the rough treatment Bukayo Saka has received this season.
Throughout 2023, the winger won the third-highest number of fouls in the English top flight. Only Crystal Palace forward, Jordan Ayew (65) and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes (53) have won more.
Because of those high numbers, Arsenal have brought up the matter in a more general discussion with the refereeing body.
The Gunners felt Saka was treated fairly early in games, which resulted in some hard challenges before referees intervened to punish the opposition.
According to Daily Mail as reported by The Mirror, the north London outfit proposed that first rough tackles on Saka should result in caution rather than waiting until the second.
Saka’s Achilles problem, which has plagued him since the previous season, has undoubtedly had an impact on the discussion of the issue.
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Additionally, he was substituted against Lens during their Champions League match in October, which left him sidelined for a few weeks due to injury.
Saka’s numbers this season have drastically gone down compared to the last campaign. The 22-year-old scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists last season in the Premier League. This season, he has just 6 goals and as many assists so far.
Mikel Arteta will need to have the core members of his side – which Saka is part of – in great shape as they bid to win their first league title in 20 years.
Arsenal’s next fixture is against Liverpool in the 3rd round of the FA Cup at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. After that, a Premier League clash at home to Crystal Palace ensues.
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