Arsenal endured a turbulent start against Crystal Palace, conceding once and nearly conceding another, but the biggest blow came in the opening 25 minutes when star forward Bukayo Saka was forced off with an injury.
The reliable winger, who has started 16 of Arsenal’s 17 league matches this season, has only missed one game — a 2-0 loss to Bournemouth in October. Saka is no stranger to tough challenges from opponents, often playing through pain, but he typically bounces back, continuing to drive Arsenal’s attacks.
In a frantic first half, which saw Gabriel Jesus score twice before an equalizer from Ismaila Sarr, Saka managed only three passes. His final attempt, which found Martin Odegaard in the Palace box, came after a challenge from left-back Tyrick Mitchell, leaving Saka clutching his hamstring. After a brief check from the medical team, Mikel Arteta had no choice but to substitute the 23-year-old in the 25th minute.
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After Arsenal’s eventual 5-1 victory, Arteta gave little away about Saka’s injury, stating, “He felt something. It’s too early to assess him. It was a precaution with him right now.”
Leandro Trossard replaced Saka, though he doesn’t offer the same attacking threat. Before the match, Saka had been Arsenal’s top scorer in the league with five goals and an impressive ten assists.
With a packed fixture schedule over the festive period, there is some hope for Saka’s recovery. Arsenal’s next match is against Ipswich Town at the Emirates Stadium on December 27, followed by trips to Brentford on New Year’s Day and Brighton on January 4.