Arteta defends decision to play Saka despite burnout concerns

CRUCIAL: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (left) hi-fives Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defended his decision not to rest winger Bukayo Saka in a 1-0 Europa League win over PSV Eindhoven on Thursday, saying the world's top players are expected to perform at their best while playing once every three days.

Saka has started 12 of the Premier League club's 14 matches in all competitions this season and was on the team sheet once again as Granit Xhaka's second-half goal secured Arsenal a place in the Europa League knockouts.