Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Bukayo Saka following Arsenal's 4-0 win over Leeds United. The 24-year-old winger appeared to suffer an injury in the warm-up at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon.
Shortly before kick-off, Saka was whisked away from the pre-match preparations and escorted down the tunnel by a physio. The England international was quickly replaced by Noni Madueke in the starting lineup, and Christian Norgaard was named on the bench.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Arteta explained why he made the late change. The Gunners boss said: "So in the warm-up, he had a little niggle. He wasn't comfortable to start the game, so immediately we made a decision to make that change and bring Noni in.
"And he was ready, because you cannot do that in two minutes. The way he prepares, the way he's waiting for opportunity, I think he paid off today because he really impacted the team."
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Then, in his post-match press conference, Arteta said: "In the warm-up he had a little niggle, so we made the decision. We made the change to bring Noni in, you cannot do that in two minutes. So very impressive."
Madueke repaid Arteta's faith, playing a key role in each of the Gunners' two first-half goals. The 23-year-old winger provided the assist for Martin Zubimendi's opener before forcing an own goal from Karl Darlow.
Viktor Gyokeres extended Arsenal's lead midway through by the second half. While wrestling with Jayden Bogle at the back post, the 27-year-old striker latched onto a cross from Gabriel Martinelli, who had replaced Madueke on the hour mark.
Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring for Arsenal against Leeds United
Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring for Arsenal against Leeds United (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Gabriel Jesus replaced Gyokeres with a quarter of an hour or so left on the clock, and it didn't take him long to make his mark. The 28-year-old striker fended off Pascal Struijk on the edge of the box before chopping the ball onto his right foot and bending it past Darlow.
The victory against Leeds marked a run of five away wins in a single month, something that Arsenal had only ever managed once in their history before Saturday afternoon. On the result, Arteta said: "Well, very very happy.
"A very impressive performance and result and in the context that we've done it. Considering the opponent we were facing. The energy the stadium brings and after three results that didn't go our way in the league."
Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi were critical for Arsenal in their win over Leeds United
Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi were critical for Arsenal in their win over Leeds United (Image: Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images)
Daniel Farke was very complimentary of the Gunners in his post-match press conference. The Leeds boss: "Congratulations to Arsenal, [they] deserved win. We have to accept that the better team won this game. We faced the best side currently in Europe.
"Why this team is the best team in Europe. You need a perfect day to give you the best chance, and a bit of luck. We didn't have our very best day and they were on it from the first minute."
Farke added: "Arsenal today always had the answer. Their quality today against the ball and also to defend was on the top level. We were not able to find our offensive opportunities."
On the west Yorkshire outfit's gameplan, Farke said: "To be flexible like we were against Everton. Using our wing-backs over the wings. When their centre-midfielders jumped in we wanted to create overloads but were unable to do so."
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