Arteta Reveals Saka Injury Details After Arsenal's Commanding Win
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a crucial injury update concerning star forward Bukayo Saka following the Gunners' emphatic 4-0 Premier League triumph over Leeds United at Elland Road. The victory on Saturday, January 31, 2026, marked a significant turnaround for Arsenal, ending their concerning three-match winless streak in the competition.
Late Withdrawal Shakes Up Arsenal's Starting Lineup
In a surprising pre-match development, Bukayo Saka was dramatically withdrawn from the starting eleven just minutes before kickoff. The England international had been slated to lead Arsenal's attack alongside Leandro Trossard and Viktor Gyokeres against a Leeds side that had suffered only one defeat in their previous eleven matches.
Arteta explained the sudden change during his post-match press conference, revealing that Saka experienced discomfort during the warm-up session. "In the warm-up, he had a little niggle, he wasn't comfortable starting the game, so immediately we made a decision to make that change and bring Noni in," the Spanish tactician stated via Arsenal's official website.
Madueke Steps Up in Saka's Absence
The late substitution saw former Chelsea winger Noni Madueke inserted into the lineup, and the replacement proved instrumental in Arsenal's dominant performance. Arteta praised Madueke's preparedness and impact, emphasizing that such last-minute changes require exceptional mental fortitude from players.
"And he was ready, because you cannot do that in two minutes," Arteta continued. "The way he prepared, the way he's waiting for opportunity, I think it paid off today because he really impacted the team. That's only possible if those players are with the right mindset."
Arsenal's Commanding Performance at Elland Road
Despite Saka's absence, Arsenal delivered a masterclass performance that solidified their position at the Premier League summit:
- Martín Zubimendi opened the scoring in the 27th minute with assistance from Madueke
- Karl Darlow's own goal doubled Arsenal's advantage before halftime
- Viktor Gyokeres ended his goal drought with a well-taken finish in the 69th minute
- Substitute Gabriel Jesus added a fourth goal in the 86th minute to complete the rout
The comprehensive victory extended Arsenal's lead to seven points above defending champions Manchester City, further establishing their credentials as genuine title contenders this season.
Guardiola Acknowledges Arsenal's World-Class Form
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola recently offered high praise for Arsenal's current form, describing Mikel Arteta's side as "the best team right now in the world." The City boss specifically highlighted Arsenal's exceptional balance between defensive organization and attacking potency as key factors in their remarkable campaign.
While Saka's injury represents a concern for Arsenal supporters, the team's depth and resilience were thoroughly demonstrated through their convincing performance against Leeds United. The Gunners now look ahead to their next fixtures with renewed confidence as they seek to maintain their position at the Premier League summit.
