By Martin Graham
of Arsenal loss a Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final he marked his 50th game of a busy campaign, ending hopes of a quadruple. Despite this setback, the season remains very promising. The club are going strong in the Premier League and have reached the quarter-finals of both the FA Cup and the Champions League, with just four defeats in all competitions.
In that final, Bukayo Saka wore the captain’s armband, but both his display and recent performances have drawn criticism from fans and analysts. As expectations rise, so does the focus on his contributions, especially given his importance to the team and his status within the club.
Former England striker Wayne Rooney suggested that the pressure of competing for trophies may be taking its toll on Saka, noting that his performances this season have not matched previous levels. He also noted that the winger has already amassed a significant number of appearances at a relatively young age.
Saka recently committed his future to Arsenal on a new five-year deal, cementing his role as a central figure in his prime. His connection with the club, having come through the academy, and his importance on and off the pitch make him irreplaceable. However, this prominence also means that any dip in form quickly becomes a talking point.
Numbers, fatigue and tactical challenges
Statistically, Saka’s production has declined compared to expectations. Since the start of the year, he has scored just twice, appeared in 17 games and missed three with a hip problem. Before scoring in the 2-2 draw against Wolves, he had gone 15 games without a goal in all competitions. In the league, he has six goals in 27 games.
Despite this, the underlying metrics indicate that he may have been unlucky. Expected goals data suggests he should have registered at least one more goal and three more assists. His influence often extends beyond direct contributions, as opponents often assign multiple defenders to contain him, opening up space for teammates rather than boosting his own stats.
Injuries to Arsenal’s squad have also disrupted their effectiveness. Martin Odegaard has endured an injury-plagued start to the season, limiting him to 13 league starts. Similarly, Ben White has struggled for fitness, while Jurrien Timber has often been preferred when available.
Previously, the right flank combination of Saka, Odegaard and White provided fluid movement and space. This season, that chemistry has been disrupted. Injuries to Kai Havertz have further complicated matters, while Saka’s link with summer signing Viktor Gyokeres has yet to fully develop.
Workload, injuries and long-term importance
Saka’s durability has been a defining trait, although recent seasons have shown signs of strain. His first major setback came last season with a hamstring injury that sidelined him for 101 days. He came back strongly, scoring against Fulham and then finding the net at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid during Arsenal’s Champions League run, which ended against Paris Saint-Germain.
This campaign has brought more physical problems, including another hamstring problem earlier in the season and a hip injury that forced him off in the warm-up against Leeds, resulting in three missed games. Even so, he has already accumulated 2,869 minutes between competitions, surpassing last season’s total.
Manager Mikel Arteta has consistently stressed the demands on elite players, noting that top players often play up to 70 games per season. For him, reliability and availability are essential qualities at the highest level.
With up to 15 games still possible if Arsenal reach multiple finals, Saka’s total could rise to 57 appearances this season. England manager Thomas Tuchel has already taken steps to manage his workload, giving him rest during the current international window ahead of the next World Cup.
While this may not be Saka’s most productive season statistically, his importance could be measured differently. If he plays a decisive role in ending Arsenal’s trophy drought and contributes to England’s World Cup ambitions, this campaign may ultimately stand as one of the most important of his career.
