Bukayo Saka was not at his best when Arsenal lost 2-1 to Fulham on Sunday afternoon. Bukayo Saka made a bight start at Craven Cottage,...
Bukayo Saka was not at his best when Arsenal lost 2-1 to Fulham on Sunday afternoon.
Bukayo Saka made a bight start at Craven Cottage, putting Arsenal ahead with just five minutes on the clock. The winger was on hand to tap in at the far post after after Gabriel Martinelli’s initial shot was parried away by former Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Following that moment, though, nothing Saka tried really came off. As he has been on many occasions already this season, Saka was singled out for extra attention by the opposition defenders. Any time the Hale End academy graduate took possession of the ball, he was immediately descended upon by a host of Fulham players.
Even keeping these challenging circumstances in mind, though, Saka was still poor. Whenever he did find space to get a cross in, his delivery was weak. His finishing was also wayward when further shooting opportunities presented themselves.
Mikel Arteta will know that Saka will be singled out by opponents as Arsenal’s key attacking threat. As such, the player needs to find new solutions to overcoming this challenge. talkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara believes that Saka needs to become less predictable on the ball in order to get back to his best.
Arsenal fans have say on Bukayo Saka performance
There is also an argument that Saka has simply played too much football. He is a nailed-on starter for Arsenal and a regular starter for England, too, and has been for a number of years. He is still just 22-years-old, and could really do with being afforded the opportunity to rest occasionally. It is a flaw in Arteta’s squad that there is not a natural back up to Saka in the group.
Plenty of Arsenal fans were unhappy with what Saka produced against Fulham. Taking to X, one supporter said, “Martinelli was actually a lot better today but Saka on the other hand was woeful, Robinson had him on lock.” Another chipped in with “Saka was beyond terrible today. Bro, this manager needs to go.”
Another fan agreed that Arteta’s use of Saka is a problem, stating, “Really feel for Saka here. Terrible system for any winger to play in.” Another urged the Spanish coach to “Bench Saka.”