Bukayo Saka Arsenal
Arsenal’s wait for a major trophy was extended following their 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final. The Gunners, who last lifted silverware with the 2020 FA Cup, have not won the League Cup since 1993. Despite favorable draws in the FA Cup and Champions League quarter-finals, Arsenal’s attacking players, including Bukayo Saka, have struggled for form. Saka has scored just two league goals since December and missed two games due to injury earlier this year.
Micah Richards said: “When you’ve got Saka and [Leandro] Trossard and [Gabriel] Jesus, this is where you separate the men from the boys. Then it’s about the players now taking the responsibility, because they have are good players, Saka is a top player, but we’re not seeing it because one, the setup, and then two, he’s out of form. He needs to now say, ‘OK, we’ve lost this, it’s not the end of the world, what can I do to make sure in the Champions League, in the FA Cup, and in the league, I’m the Saka that everyone knows and loves’, because that’s a big player.”
Gary Lineker said: “But can he do it the way they’re playing? Like, you said, they get the ball deep, and he’s having to do so much defensive work, and by the time he gets it they’re all back and deep and they can double and sometimes treble up on him. He still plays brilliantly, but it’s not easy for him, whereas, if they were, like you said, higher up the pitch, they could get the ball to him early and then he’s one on one and you’ve got half a chance. It’s very difficult to beat two or three players every time.”
Alan Shearer added: “They’re not changing, though, between now and the end of the season.”
The discussion on the Rest is Football Podcast highlighted the challenges Arsenal face with their current tactical approach under Mikel Arteta. Saka’s form, in particular, has been a focal point, with pundits questioning whether Arsenal’s setup allows him to perform at his best. Lineker suggested that Saka’s effectiveness is hindered by the team’s deep positioning, which forces him into defensive duties and limits his attacking opportunities. Despite these concerns, Shearer and Lineker agreed that Arsenal is unlikely to alter their strategy before the season’s end, given its previous success.
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