Before the start of the season, many Arsenal fans had tipped one player to have his best season yet.
Having endured an injury-ridden and relatively inconsistent season last time out, Bukayo Saka seemed ready to return to his scintillating form.
So far though, things haven’t quite worked out as we’d hoped.
The England international has two goals this season but is yet to record a single assist.
His goal contributions last season of six goals and 11 assists was also a significant decrease on the previous year. This can partly be explained by his nearly three month absence through injury.
It can’t be denied that this is a downward trend. But Saka is still one of Arsenal’s most important players and has the potential to become a superstar of the Premier League. So what’s going wrong at the moment?
Many Arsenal fans have speculated that he is still managing his way back from the injury that saw him sidelined for a third of the season last year. It’s not always obvious when a player is continuing through injury, but Saka’s performance against Burnley certainly looked like he was holding something back.
Arsenal’s current injury situation has also been a factor. The relationship between the injured Martin Odegaard and Saka has been essential to the Gunners’ success on the right, as well as with an overlapping Ben White. With Kai Havertz also sidelined, and teams opting to double-mark Saka, he has looked ineffective against opponents he should be breezing past.
I have no doubt that come May, this period will be seen as nothing more than a blip. But the sooner Noni Madueke returns, at the very least to give Saka a rest, the better. Madueke made a bright start at Arsenal before succumbing to injury. If he picks up where he left off, it could well be the catalyst for Saka returning to his best.
Find more from Laura Kirk-Francis at the Latte Firm podcast, external
