Arteta singles out Arsenal star who helped overturn his reign; names Gunner with a "target on his back"

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta believes England international Bukayo Saka has a 'target' on his back as he becomes a better player.

The Gunners have clicked under the Spaniard this season with 11 out of 13 wins taking them top of the Premier League table ahead of their last game before the World Cup break.

Saka has been in brilliant form this season, with four goals and six assists in the Premier League, and that form has earned him a place in England's squad for the World Cup in Qatar.

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Arsenal legend Ian Wright has complained about the rough treatment Saka has been receiving this season as he becomes one of the Gunners' biggest threats and Arteta admits the England international will have a 'more big target" on his back in the years to come.< /p>

Arteta told Sky Sports: "Referees have a duty to deal with this. The better the players get, the more they become a big target because people try to find ways to prevent it. 'stop.

"That's why football has very clear rules, what you can do and what you can't do, and that's the job of the referee."

On how he, his teammates and Saka can protect the winger from physical risks, the Arsenal boss added: "It depends on the timing, the decision making, the space you have generated before this action, and understanding and knowing what is going to happen before it happens.

"Sometimes [we can improve] the type of ball we give him and when we give him certain balls."

Emile Smith Rowe made his first Premier League start in a 3-1 win over Chelsea as Arteta trusted the youngsters to take the pressure off his shoulders in December 2020.

Arsenal were on a 56-day winless run with calls to sack Arteta intensifying and the Spaniard says Smith Rowe's performance that day 'helped change the momentum'.

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Speaking about one of the most trying times of his reign at Arsenal, Arteta continued: "There was a huge wall, it was really difficult for them.

"This match came at a very important time. I don't like to single out one player, but I'm probably thinking of Emile Smith Rowe - this is the moment he really comes into the picture and something has changed and that helped change the momentum.”

Arsenal take on Wolves on Saturday as the Midlands club play their last game before new manager Julen Lopetegui takes charge.

On Lopetegui, Arteta said: "He's a great coach, his career speaks for itself, what he did in Sevilla, what he did in Portugal, what he made for the national team.

"He is a very good coach, [he comes from] not far from where I live, so I know him really very well and I hope that after tomorrow he can have a very successful period here ."

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