“Arteta should have sub him off since at Half time, i know Newcastle are going to score us if he remains on the pitch”- Arsenal icon Patrick Vieira reveals he’s not impressed by 22 years old Arsenal star’s performance in the first half against Newcastle

Patrick Vieira unimpressed by 22-year-old Arsenal player in first half v Newcastle

Arsenal and Newcastle are battling it out at St James’ Park in the late Saturday kick off today as both teams look to make their mark.

In what has been a tight enough affair so far despite Arsenal’s dominance with the ball, there have been key moments which could have swung the game, especially in Arsenal’s favour.

One of those key moments came in the 19th minute when Bukayo Saka appeared to be on his way to a glorious chance to open the scoring. Instead, Saka hesitated and tried to get back onto his left foot and the effort went to nothing.

And watching on for Sky Sports, Gary Neville was far from impressed with Saka’s efforts.

Patrick Vierra criticises Bukayo Saka for missed chance during Arsenal v Newcastle

Commentating on the game for Sky, Vieira– usually such an avid supporter of Saka – was critical of the England man for not taking a chance with his right foot.

“Saka has to hit it with his right foot there! He turns back into players but it was there for him to have a swing with his right foot,” Neville said.

Saka will be hoping to do more for Arsenal

Bukayo Saka is so used to being so good for Arsenal that he himself will be disappointed he didn’t take this particular chance v Newcastle today.

Ultimately, his standards have got so high that whenever he does something remotely poor, it’s picked up on.

For Saka, he’ll be hoping the game opens up a touch in the second half and he gets a bit more freedom in wider areas to really impact the game. 

We’ve seen plenty of times how he can win a game on his own and he’ll be hoping that come tonight, that miss in the 19th minute doesn’t prove too costly.