Mikel Arteta was questioned over his decision to let Arsenal club-record signing Nicolas Pepe leave on a season-long loan to OGC Nice in the summer. While the Ivorian had hardly impacted the first-team, he did allow for a rotation option during a busy season for the Gunners.
With the £72million man now gone, Bukayo Saka was left as the only senior option on the right-wing that has regularly featured for the side. Given the fact the side are now competing in the Europa League alongside the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, it proves to be a juggling act for Arteta to keep him fit and available.
"Look at the top players in the world. They play 70 matches every three days and make the difference and win the game," the manager claimed when asked about the youngster's lack of rotation. "If you want to be at the top, you have to be able to do that."
