If the coach refuses to bench Him in our next match, I will definitely drop the captain badge that day, I can’t captain a team with such player Attitude”, Bukayo Saka angered by One Arsenal player attitude on the pitch last night that nearly lead to Red card situation

Saka voiced his disappointment with a teammate following the recent match, stating that if the coach does not take action to bench the player for the next game, he will step down as captain. He was visibly frustrated by the player’s conduct on the field, which nearly resulted in a red card, and believes he cannot lead a team with someone who acts that way.

The match felt familiar for Arsenal, as they established a comfortable 2-0 lead in the first half, reminiscent of their recent game against Leicester City. However, unlike that previous encounter, their opponents this time, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), provided a much stiffer challenge in the second half. Despite this, Arsenal successfully maintained control of the match, aiming to steer clear of any complications.

This performance highlighted a significant improvement from the previous season, particularly in European fixtures. Last year, Arsenal often seemed inexperienced in critical matches, but this time they showed maturity and cleverness. Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged this change, praising the team’s heightened focus and intensity, especially against a formidable opponent like PSG, and emphasized the importance of continuing to build on this positive momentum.

Post-match, Saka expressed confidence in Arsenal’s prospects for the Premier League title this season. Given their strong performances against high-caliber teams, it’s easy to see why he feels optimistic.

### Merino’s Debut

Mikel Merino’s much-anticipated transfer from Real Sociedad culminated in his debut for Arsenal during this match. After suffering an injury in his first training session, he finally took to the field on Tuesday night. Merino quickly made his presence felt, not just with his impressive physicality, but also through his leadership. Almost immediately, he was seen directing his teammates, including Riccardo Calafiori.

Internally, Merino is regarded as a crucial addition for immediate success. With confidence both as a player and an individual, he is expected to mesh well with the squad. Arteta commended Merino’s preparedness, noting that he had participated in just one training session but was eager to make an impact. During the match, Merino played a dual role, partnering with Declan Rice in a traditional midfield setup while also advancing forward during attacking phases. Though his passing may not have reached the level Arsenal desires just yet, he impressed with his physicality and ability to win duels, notably with an aggressive sliding tackle late in the game that elicited cheers from the home crowd.

### Havertz’s Growing Influence

Kai Havertz’s display against PSG further underscored his increasing significance to the team. While his goal in the previous match came somewhat fortuitously, his strike against PSG was the result of strategic planning. Leandro Trossard’s dynamic run and well-timed cross set up Havertz, who finished with intelligent positioning and a precise header. This goal marked his sixth consecutive score at the Emirates, reinforcing his strong form at home.

Arteta praised Havertz, noting not only his physical strength but also his tactical intelligence. He pointed out how Havertz instinctively finds the right spaces and conveys a sense of inevitability when he is near the goal. Havertz himself has embraced the physical demands of the No. 9 role, which requires greater involvement in physical confrontations than before. He admitted that he used to dislike such duels early in his career, but now he relishes them.

The most telling indication of Havertz’s progress is the shift in discussions regarding Arsenal’s need for a new striker. Recently, there were concerns about whether he could fulfill that role, but those doubts have diminished, and he now appears to be the solution Arsenal has been seeking.