Arsenal progressed to the semi-final of the Champions League by defeating Real Madrid but the fixture contained a moment Mikel Arteta should quickly learn from says Ben Foster
Mikel Arteta should have severe doubts over whether to allow Bukayo Saka to take penalties after his miss against Real Madrid, according to former Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster. The ex-Manchester United shotstopper has blasted the Gunners star's failed attempt at the Bernabeu.
Saka was awarded a fine chance to extend Arsenal's lead to 4-0 on aggregate in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash. But the England star's tame spot-kick was easily saved by Thibaut Courtois.
The poor effort did not cost Arteta's side as Saka went on to find the net as Arsenal progressed to the semi-final of the competition. But Foster believes that the penalty should live long in the memory of the north London side's boss.
Ex-Tottenham and Real Madrid ace Rafael van der Vaart suggested Saka was a 'disgrace' and that the 23-year-old made a "total overestimation of himself. In the sense of: 'I'm going to steal the show here'." Foster it seems, is inclined to agree with that stance.
"I ain’t trying to dink Thibaut Courtois! It’s one of the s***est penalties I’ve ever seen. It is so s***," Foster said on his YouTube channel.
"I half agree with the comment [from Van der Vaart] because, at that moment in time, I think Bukayo Saka has got a little bit carried away with himself and he’s tried to show off. He has tried to show off when in reality, if he puts that ball in the back of the net, the game is done.
"It’s 10 minutes into the game. Put that ball in the back of the net and the game is done."
"If I’m one of those other Arsenal players, I’m going up to him after that penalty and going, 'Get your head in the game, k***head, don’t do silly s*** like this!'… I don’t want my player to be doing that," Foster added.
"I don’t mind a player missing the target if he’s absolutely gone for it. If the goalie makes a world-class save, you put your hands up, but it wasn’t a world-class save."
Foster would prefer to see Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard take the responsibility. The YouTuber replied: "Martin Odegaard, somebody where you go, “Yeah, go on then!”, just put the ball in the back of the net.
"That would cast massive doubts now if I’m the Arsenal manager and Bukayo Saka’s going to be doing that."
Allez_
0
Your both useless,leave Arsenal and Saka alone.your just jealous for Saka because you never reached he's level you idiots get the fucker out of here.
This will be another comment if u went to lose the game Mind u always take your chances that’s what they are saying u never know in football you’ll be crying the penalty later on
zekilmprsu
0
Arsenal need to pull up their socks 🧦 against PSG, cause psg are playing good football
muchenjeowenm
2
He took it seriously and missed it. He is not the 1st player to miss a penalty. Odegaard once missed a penalty as well. Stop being a resist
dacklmntu
0
He didn't take that penalty so serious and crucial which is a bad idea though he realized he needed to step up for things to get right on his side . Arsenal at heart .
Suubdlnuz
1
who are Foster and Van der Vaart to speak about Arsenal?...Bukayo will take next penalty as usual..lmao
Zambckptu
0
Absolutely on point .Van
Duaeilopuy
0
Van sa Vaat looser
fabadkprty
0
Who knows Ben Forster as a good keeper during his time..
fabadkprty
2
Van dar vaart is an idiot by making such a nonesence statement against Saka.
lepmoprstz
2
Stupid pundits both of them what did they even achieve in their careers …fools very stupid to talk the boy down are u guys trying to bring his spirits down or what …he’s a senior keeper and so what…so can’t the boy play freely bcos of someone status
pezaceikn
2
can foster count or remember the amount of times he got relegated from the premier league
Tapbkprstu
2
arsenal
Mincdemuyz
2
Your both useless,leave Arsenal and Saka alone.your just jealous for Saka because you never reached he's level you idiots get the fucker out of here.
pezaceikn
1
had the goal scored, all you would say saka is the best player in the world to craft such masterclass under pressure.....yall footballers turn idiotic pundits should shut the fuck up an allow the lads to enjoy their football
hinbelnrtz
2
No one is above a mistake and thank God he made up for it with the same ding
Dramz13
2
van da vaat that Spursy loser
Marioiiced
1
Who is foster?
a female roster
ZAZA19
2
I agree. The penalty was shitty but he made up for it
peaceofmind
1
Who is foster?