Two Arsenal stars make huge request ahead of Spurs clash

Matt Stead
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal players Thomas Partey and Bukayo Saka both requested to play against AFC Wimbledon to build match fitness.

The Gunners reached the fourth round of the League Cup and a date with Premier League side Leeds after beating AFC Wimbledon 3-0 at the Emirates.

Alexandre Lacazette, Emile Smith Rowe and the club’s hardest trainer, Eddie Nketiah all scored as Arsenal secured a third consecutive win.

A strong side also featured Albert Sambi Lokonga and Gabriel Martinelli, while Partey started and Saka was introduced from the bench.

It was reported that Partey actually requested to feature despite his recent injury problems and Arteta confirmed as such after the game saying it was always the plan to substitute him after an hour.

“He hasn’t played a lot of minutes since he’s been injured,” he told the official Arsenal website. “We believe the rhythm of matches is nothing like any training session. I think it was very beneficial for him.

“We didn’t think [it was a risk] and that’s why we made the decision to play him. But it’s always a risk when you play a match or have a training session at the intensity that we train.

“We believe it was the right thing to do and he was really pushing for it, so I think it worked out well.”

Saka came on for Martinelli with a quarter of an hour remaining and Arteta said the teenager had specifically asked to play after a slow start to the season.

“He finished the game against Burnley much better than he did the week before,” the Spaniard said. “Again, he was seeking minutes – he wanted to play some minutes to get some match fitness.

“I think when he came on, he looked really strong.”

Arteta also paid tribute to the fans for their support as more than 50,000 packed into the Emirates.

“There’s a real belief around the team and we’re looking forward to playing the derby in front of our crowd,” he said.

“Again, thank you very much for coming – they made a spectacular evening. It’s never easy to come on Wednesday night, so thank you for what they’ve done, because it makes a huge impact.”

That’s how you do it, Pep.