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‘He struggled’: Arteta comments on Arsenal star who played out of position

Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on February 23, 2020 in London, United...
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Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on February 23, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta has praised the doggedness of Arsenal gem Bukayo Saka but admitted that the player had a ‘difficult’ first half last night.

The Gunners pulled off a brilliant 2-0 win away to a Wolverhampton Wanderers side who would’ve moved level on points with Chelsea and Manchester United in the race for a Champions League spot had they won.

And it was Saka who marked his new long-term contract extension at Arsenal by scoring his first-ever Premier League goal, expertly volleying home on 43 minutes.

Arteta deployed the 18-year-old in an unfamiliar right-wing role, however, the Spaniard has conceded that the teenager ‘struggled’ quite a bit early doors.

He told Sky Sports: “He had a difficult first half in that position I asked him to play. He struggled a little bit, but he found the right moments. Everytime he’s in the box he’s a very dangerous player. He got his reward.”

Alexandre Lacazette made it 2-0 in the final five minutes and what a good win this was for Arsenal.

Remember, it was only a few weeks ago that Arteta’s side were being thumped 3-0 at Manchester City, and only two weeks since they lost 2-1 to Brighton.

But what a brilliant response Arteta – who’s only been in management since December – has drawn from his troops and long may it last.

Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images