Why Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka was subbed at half-time vs Tottenham

Arsenal edge past Tottenham

The latest North London derby played out a short time ago at the Emirates.

The tie started fairly slowly, with not too much action during the opening exchanges.

However, things began to spring into life around the 20-minute mark.

Tottenham were dealt a big blow 19 minutes in, as Heung-min Son was forced off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

19 – We’re forced into an early change.

▶️ @ErikLamela
◀️ #HeungMinSon

🔴 #AFC 0-0 #THFC ⚪

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 14, 2021

It was not all doom and gloom for the Lilywhites, though. Erik Lamela, who replaced the injured Son, fired the away outfit into the lead after 33 minutes with a goal-of-the-season contender, which also happened to be Spurs’ first shot on target:

OH MY 😲

Érik Lamela with the Rabona in the North London Derby…

📺 Watch on Sky Sports PL
📱 Follow #ARSTOT here: https://t.co/WiNr8izD6A
📲 Download the @SkySports app! pic.twitter.com/TxRY09HJ6k

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 14, 2021

Tottenham’s lead didn’t last too long, though, as Martin Odegaard deservedly drew Arsenal level right on the stroke of half-time.

The Gunners were then able to take the lead thanks to some extremely clumsy defending on the part of Davinson Sanchez.

The Colombian clattered into Alexandre Lacazette inside the Spurs box, after the Frenchman mishit his shot.

A penalty was then awarded after a brief VAR check, which Lacazette stepped up to convert.

Tottenham’s afternoon then went from bad to worse when Lamela was sent off 75 minutes in, after being shown a second yellow card. And though Mourinho’s men sprang into life somewhat following the dismissal, Arsenal were, thanks to some superb defending from Gabriel, able to hold out for a 2-1 win.

Why Saka was taken off vs Tottenham

On an otherwise positive evening for Arsenal, though, they do appear to have been dealt one big blow on the personnel front.

Bukayo Saka was brought off at half-time vs Spurs, which seemed strange at the time, considering the 19-year-old’s key role in Arsenal’s success over recent months.

But, speaking post-match, Mikel Arteta provided an explanation for Saka’s withdrawal, confirming that the youngster picked up a hamstring issue:

Arteta on Saka: “It was an injury. He was feeling his hamstring.”https://t.co/JDtb20iqEl

— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) March 14, 2021

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This article was edited by Conor Laird.

Source: 101greatgoals.com