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Bukayo Saka showed off his battle wounds on Sunday evening after helping Arsenal record a vital late win on the road at Newcastle. The England international made his second successive start of the week, featuring from the right flank, before being replaced by Gabriel Martinelli on 70 minutes.
Saka's immaculate close control and dribbling style means he is often on the receiving end of strong kicks and challenges from the opposition. During a TV interview with Stadium Astro, Jermaine Jenas asked the Gunners ace how he was feeling following some rough treatment in the first half at St James' Park.
The Arsenal winger replied: "You can see my ankle! But coming to this ground you know what to expect, it's going to be a battle. Like I said, the best team won today and we got what we deserved."
The camera also zoomed in on Saka's ankle, showcasing his blood-stained sock. Saka continued: "There was a point towards the end of the game where I was on the bench and it felt like it was going to be that feeling again; that we played well but something went against us, the penalty decision but we'd played well. That's why in the changing room we was so happy that we turned it around."
The 24-year-old was also full of praise for new team-mate Eberechi Eze, who impressed in a central role after also netting against Port Vale earlier in the week in the Carabao Cup. Saka said of the former Crystal Palace star: "I think he was unstoppable today at times, he was really good.
“I was just speaking to him now in the changing room, you know, that first chance – there’s not many keepers that will save that. That would have topped it off, but even without the goal today, he was really really good for us and he’s a really exciting signing and I’m happy to have him in our team.”
Arsenal now dust themselves for the return of the Champions League as they prepare to host Greek side Olympiacos at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening. Saka is expected to be fit and ready for the contest as the Gunners did not pick up any fresh injury concerns on Tyneside.
Mikel Arteta's side also host West Ham, who are expected to be buoyed by the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo, at the weekend before the return of international football.
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