Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella revealed the tactical approach that helped him shut down Bukayo Saka during Chelsea’s hard-fought 1-1 draw against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Cucurella emphasized the importance of staying close to the Arsenal winger, who is widely regarded as one of the league’s most exciting talents.

“It was a tough game,” Cucurella admitted. “They’ve played together with the same ideas for a long time but we played well. We need to keep going in this way, we are doing well. We need to stay in this way and push more.”

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

Explaining his defensive strategy, Cucurella added, “I try to not give him space and always be close to him. We knew he is a special talent and do my work and help my team. I tried to show the best of me.”

Cucurella’s disciplined marking limited Saka’s impact, showcasing his defensive prowess and solidifying his Man of the Match performance. With Chelsea climbing to third in the league, Cucurella’s consistent form will be crucial as the team continues to build momentum in the Premier League.