Football

Marc Cucurella confident over future Bukayo Saka battles after Chelsea draw

Chelsea star Marc Cucurella issued a firm post-match message as the Blues sealed a 1-1 Premier League draw with Arsenal.

The Blues head into the November international break in third place in the EPL table, ahead of the Gunners only on goal difference, but they could not be split at Stamford Bridge.

Gabriel Martinelli’s opener was cancelled out by Pedro Neto’s late leveller with Cucurella named as Player of the Match by Sky Sports for his defensive display.

MORE: All the latest Chelsea news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings

The Spanish international was tasked with matching England star Bukayo Saka and he restricted the Arsenal No.7 to a limited impact in West London.

Saka was forced off injured in the closing stages as Cucurella and the Blues back line dragged the hosts over the line to a battling draw.

A point each does little for their respective drives to haul back table toppers Liverpool with Arne Slot’s team heading into the November international break with a five-point lead at the summit.

Cucurella acknowledged the importance of keeping Saka quiet within Enzo Maresca’s game plan and he is confident of a marker being laid down for their future battles for club and country.

“Bukayo Saka is a top player. We’ve played a lot of times against each other, there is huge respect there. It’s a good battle and hopefully we can have more,” he said at full-time.

“I try to not give him space and always be close to him. We know he’s a special talent and I do my work and help my team.”

Cucurella will now join up with the Spain squad for UEFA Nations League duty in the coming days as the European champions take on Denmark and Switzerland.

Chelsea return to Premier League action on November 23 as they head to Leicester City.

Share with your friends!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get The Latest Sports News
Straight to your inbox

Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox.

Thank you for subscribing.

Something went wrong.