Part 4/6:
Smith raised thought-provoking questions regarding Mikel Arteta’s management style, suggesting that the manager might not have fully taken player fatigue into account. In today's game, sports scientists often advise on player wellness, with phrases like "entering the Red Zone" used to identify players at risk of injury. However, Smith inferred that Arteta might lean on the older-school mindset of simply continuing to play a fit player, given Saka's consistent performances.
“Of course, loads of players at this stage of the season pick up injuries,” Smith remarked, emphasizing that other teams, too, were grappling with similar challenges. This scenario calls into question how well the squad can adapt to playing without their primary offensive weapon.