'Why Did That Change Take So Long' - Ex-Chelsea Star Blasts Arsenal Coach For Saka's Late Introduction

Published: December 15, 2019

Arsenal are looking for damage limitation in the second half of the ongoing game against Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium in London, trailing the Premier League champions 3-0.

Manchester City's Belgium star Kevin De Bruyne produced a midfield masterclass in the first half, scoring two goals and providing one.

With the scoreboard reading 2-0 City, De Bruyne curled home City's third goal in the 40th minute with Bukayo Saka waiting to come on to replace the injured Sead Kolasinac, who picked up a suspected ankle injury after a tackle by Rodri.

Speaking during commentary of the game shown live on Sky Sports, former Chelsea midfielder Andy Townsend criticized Arsenal interim head coach Freddie Ljungberg for not bringing on Bukayo Saka fast enough, knowing full well that Kolasinac was struggling with an injury.

Townsend said : ''I can't understand why Sead Kolasinac took an age to leave the field and you haven't got your substitute ready, you can't afford to play against this team a man short.

''You just can't because players get between people as De Bruyne does there and just rolls Guendouzi and then all of a sudden everyone is backing off .

''This guy is so good, he is so accurate, he is looking for the finest of margins and he knocks that one so beautifully past Leno. Why did that change take so long, you're going to do it, then do it.''

Bukayo Saka has now played 14 first team games in all competitions this season, with eight coming in the Premier League.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : uefa.com