Mikel Arteta
Has this Arsenal star become a scapegoat? (Photo: Getty)
Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino has defended one Arsenal star, claiming the under-fire England international has ‘become a scapegoat’.
England take on Croatia in the Nations League tonight and Thomas Tuchel has four Arsenal stars at his disposal after Ezri Konsa recovered from an injury scare.
Bukayo Saka started against Spain and Czech Republic last week but his performances have attracted criticism, especially when compared to Anthony Gordon’s headline-grabbing exploits on the opposite flank.
The 25-year-old has been an ever-present for club and country on the right-wing for the past several seasons but his form has dipped since suffering a lengthy hamstring injury in 2024.
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But Cascarino doesn’t believe the criticism is fair, telling talkSPORT: ‘The amount of [people] questioning Saka…
‘Saka’s done brilliant. He’s 25-years-old, he’s had an amazing time. The only time I’ve seen him not play his best football is when he was recovering from injury.
‘He’s started this season with three goals in five games for Arsenal, so he’s in really good form. I feel like Saka’s become a little bit of a scapegoat. I think he is a huge bonus for England.’
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka underwhelmed for England against Spain and Czech Republic (Photo: Getty)
With Chelsea duo Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, as well as Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha waiting in the wings, there have been calls to drop Saka.
Cascarino couldn’t disagree more however, adding: ‘I think he’s still the one to beat, he’s still got the shirt for me, the starting place.
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‘I think he’s underrated in some ways because his work effort is always the same. He always gives a really hard shift.
Bukayo Saka
Saka has three goals in five Premier League games so far this season (Photo: Getty)
‘He always offers a lot to the team, he always wants the ball. He has his great moments where he’ll drive towards the byline, he chips in with goals. There’s a hell of a player in there.
‘Is he as good as the best in the world? No, there are other wingers that are ahead of him. That doesn’t mean Saka might improve again in the next year or two.’
[Mandatory Credit: Photo by EYE4images/NurPhoto/Shutterstock (17180706jz) Christos Tzolis of Greece during the UEFA Nations League match between Greece and the Netherlands at Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki, on October 1, 2026. Greece v Netherlands - UEFA Nations League 2026/27 Group A2 MD3, Thessaloniki - 01 Oct 2026
Mandatory Credit: Photo by EYE4images/NurPhoto/Shutterstock (17180706jz) Christos Tzolis of Greece during the UEFA Nations League match between Greece and the Netherlands at Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki, on October 1, 2026. Greece v Netherlands - UEFA Nations League 2026/27 Group A2 MD3, Thessaloniki - 01 Oct 2026](https://metro.co.uk/2026/10/02/arsenal-issued-new-christos-tzolis-injury-update-tests-greece-29674639/)
Tuchel will have a tough time selecting his right-back, likely to be Trent Alexander-Arnold or Jarell Quansah, recently revealing their relationship with Saka plays a big factor.
‘All wingers are reliant on their full-backs, that’s where the game has changed,’ Cascarino noted.
‘The relationship now, wingers are expected to do way more defending and also they get the support from full-backs. When he plays his best football with Arsenal, it’s normally when Ben White’s behind him.’
Tuchel admitted he had planned to call up Saka’s club teammate, only for White to pick up an injury just before the international break.
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola looks on prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Copa/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola looks on prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Copa/Getty Images)