EPL: Arteta is prepared to cope with the Saka hype

Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, promised to “always have a stick ready” to ensure that Bukayo Saka doesn’t become overexcited.

After scoring three goals in four games for Arsenal, Saka was named the Premier League’s player of the month for March. Last weekend, he won the man of the match award after spurring England to success over Ukraine at Wembley.

His impressive form have seen showered with plaudits, but Arteta insists he is not worried about the 21-year-old letting all the attention get to him. “He’s so humble,” said the Arsenal boss.

“He knows where this is coming from and he knows it’s like a cloud, here one moment and gone tomorrow. So keep your eyes open and be alert because this industry is very tough.

“He’s going to have to deal with the expectations of the media, with attention on the pitch. When you want to fulfil a role like the one he has at the moment, you need to be capable of doing that. We have to help him. So don’t read too much, don’t listen too much, just focus on what you have to do every day. That’s it. And we always have a stick ready, don’t worry.”