Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer has said that he was “surprised” that Mikel Arteta played a strong team against Ipswich at the weekend. 

Arsenal won 4-0 against the Tractor Boys to all but send Kieran McKenna’s side down to the Championship. Goals came from Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli to leave Mikel Arteta’s side second in the league, seven points ahead of Newcastle in third.

The Gunners’ attention will be on the Champions League however, as they will face a tie against Paris Saint-Germain in less than two weeks to decide who plays in the final at the Allianz Arena in May.

With that in mind, Shearer said that he was surprised that Arteta didn’t rest some of his key players against Ipswich in order to make sure they are fit and ready for the PSG game.

He said on the Rest is Football Podcast: “They went pretty strong actually. I was slightly surprised at how strong they went, I thought he might have changed it up a bit more than he did.

“But they did make it very easy for themselves. I thought Arsenal did a very good job there and a professional performance, it should set them up nicely (for the Champions League tie).”

Saka injury causes Arsenal concern

Bukayo Saka’s season has been plagued by injury this year, with the winger missing over three months of the season with a hamstring problem that he suffered in December.

There was concern during the game against Ipswich at the weekend after Saka had to be taken off due to a knock that he picked up on his ankle. However, it is not expected to be a major issue.

Arteta said after the game: “He was a bit sore, but it’s nothing serious, so it’s good.” – The Arsenal boss may decide to rest Saka in their next game which comes against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

Click here to see Arsenal’s latest injury news and expected return dates.