Arsenal fans were left surprised as Mikel Arteta decided to include Bukayo Saka in the starting lineup against League One side Bolton.

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Saka, Rice started against BoltonFans baffled by Arteta's decisionSaka played for 45 minutes against Man CityFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Arteta made as many as seven changes in the Arsenal starting lineup for their Carabao Cup fixture against Bolton, which featured against Manchester City in the Premier League last Sunday. However, regular starters like Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were included in the team sheet, which surprised several fans.

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A user named Triple M wrote on X, "Saka in a Carabao cup match? Mikel Arteta never beating the allegations."

A handle named Javi was furious with the manager's decision as he wrote, "How is Saka starting man someone investigate this manager."

A fan named Anita was frustrated with Saka's inclusion as she wrote, "Saka will die on the pitch."

Paul Dawes felt that it was needless to overexert Saka in a Carabao Cup fixture, as he wrote, "Come on man surely there’s no need to play Rice and Saka."

A handle named Evade was baffled to see Arteta using Saka against a League One side like Bolton as he wrote, "Why is Saka starting against a League One team."

AFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The English winger did start for Arteta's side in their mega Premier League clash against Manchester City last weekend, however, the player lasted for just 45 minutes on the pitch before being substituted for Ben White. The fiery encounter at Etihad was followed by a war of words between City players and Arteta. England international defender John Stones even accused the Gunners of performing the 'dark arts'.

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

After the Bolton clash on Wednesday, the North London side will be back in the Premier League on Saturday as they take on Leicester City at Emirates Stadium.