Bukayo Saka has been Arsenal’s golden boy for years, but is his influence beginning to fade? Some supporters have been questioning his recent performances, and now Arsenal legend David O’Leary has added his voice to the debate.
The Gunners secured a valuable 2-1 victory over Leeds United yesterday, but Saka struggled to make his usual impact. He had opportunities to score, including a late chance to put the result beyond doubt, yet finished without a goal or assist.
For a player reportedly earning more than £300,000 a week, expectations are understandably enormous.
David O’Leary questions Saka’s performances
Speaking to talkSPORT, Arsenal’s record appearance holder suggested that Saka has lost some of the determination that made him such a dangerous opponent.
“I think he goes down too much now,” O’Leary observed, questioning whether the winger is increasingly looking for fouls rather than taking on defenders.
He went further:
“He’s not the player that he was, without a doubt.”
Those are strong words from a man who knows Arsenal inside out.
Saka has scored three goals in eight appearances for Arsenal this season, but his recent performances have lacked some of the excitement supporters have come to expect.
Is he becoming too predictable? Are defenders finding him easier to contain? Or is the criticism simply unfair?
(Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Is the problem Saka or Arsenal’s attacking system?
Interestingly, we saw a completely different player when Saka scored twice in England’s 7-0 demolition of Croatia.
He looked confident, direct and hungry for goals. So where has that spark gone at club level?
Perhaps Arsenal’s attacking system deserves some scrutiny. Saka regularly attracts multiple defenders, and without sufficient movement and support around him, even the best wingers can become isolated.
Nevertheless, our match report against Leeds highlighted two opportunities he couldn’t convert, suggesting there is also room for individual improvement.
Nobody should question what Saka has contributed to Arsenal over the years. But reputation alone cannot guarantee performances, particularly when the club is defending its Premier League title.
Perhaps O’Leary’s criticism is exactly the challenge Saka needs.
What do you think, Gooners? Has Bukayo Saka lost some of his magic, or is Arteta’s system preventing him from showing his best?
Join the debate in the Just Arsenal comments below.
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