Former Premier League star Jamie Redknapp criticizes Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for starting Bukayo Saka in the Carabao Cup win over Port Vale.

Jamie Redknapp, a former Premier League star, has come out swinging against Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, criticizing him for starting Bukayo Saka in the Carabao Cup win over Port Vale.

Saka had recently recovered from a hamstring injury that kept him out of action for a couple of games, and Redknapp believes Arteta took an unnecessary risk by playing him against Port Vale.

Saka’s return to the pitch was a welcome boost for Arsenal, but Redknapp thinks Arteta should have been more cautious with the winger’s playing time. “The sports scientist will be telling him he needs minutes [but] it’s certainly a risk,” Redknapp said. “When you’ve had a player who’s had a hamstring injury like he has, any time you play in a game that’s less important, it doesn’t make any sense to me.”

Redknapp’s concerns are understandable, given the importance of Saka to Arsenal’s attacking lineup. With a big game against Newcastle United coming up, it’s crucial that Saka is fit and ready to go. Arteta’s decision to start him against Port Vale could be seen as a gamble, especially considering the relatively low stakes of the Carabao Cup match.

However, Arteta defended his decision, revealing that Saka himself requested to play to sharpen his fitness ahead of the Newcastle match.

As the team’s manager, Arteta has a deep understanding of Saka’s abilities and limitations, and he believes he made an informed decision to play Saka against Port Vale.