Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has clarified his decision to substitute Bukayo Saka during the second half of Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 first leg against Bayer Leverkusen.
Saka was replaced by Noni Madueke approximately an hour into the match at the Bay Arena.
Madueke later earned a penalty, which Kai Havertz successfully converted in the 89th minute, securing a 1-1 draw for the Gunners.
In a post-match interview, Arteta admitted that he felt the team needed a different approach from the right wing.
He said: “I thought that we needed something else.
“Noni has been contributing and being a real threat and I decided to make the change.”
Arteta also commended Noni Madueke for winning the crucial penalty. “It’s not surprising.
“That’s his greatest strength. He consistently attempts bold dribbles and poses a threat to opponents.”
