After Arsenal defeated Oxford United 3-0 in the FA Cup, Mikel Arteta allayed fears regarding an injury incurred by Bukayo Saka and predicted more decisive performances from Fabio Vieira, Daoptimistic Reports.
On Monday, Saka was taken off during the second half of a victory at the Kassam Stadium that secured a match against Manchester City for the fourth round.
Sunday's Premier League match between Arsenal and arch rivals Tottenham was complicated by the sight of Saka limping off.
The England winger is "OK," according to Gunners manager Arteta, ahead of this weekend's quick trip to face Spurs.
After a lackluster first half, Arsenal overwhelmed League One team Oxford, with goals from Mohamed Elneny and Eddie Nketiah, who was in fine form, who added a swift double.
One of Arteta's seven lineup adjustments saw Vieira start. He then assisted Nketiah in scoring the second goal by sending in a superb free kick that Elneny headed in to break the tie.
The midfielder has endured a frustrating start to his Gunners career due to injury, but Arteta is in no doubt he will prove to be a shrewd signing.
Arteta told ITV Sport: “He has the quality. He is a really creative player, and he can decide games in the final third. He made a difference.”
Nketiah has scored four goals in as many games since the World Cup in the absence of the injured Gabriel Jesus, taking his tally for the season to seven.
Arteta said of the striker’s form: “It is what we want from every player. I am delighted. You have to be scoring goals, and he is doing it.”
He added: “We have only one [striker]. And to cope for that many months until Gabby’s back is not easy. We have to make the most out of the players we’ve got.”
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