Bukayo Saka may not be producing the numbers fans expect this season—but inside Arsenal, the belief in him hasn’t wavered for a second.
And Mikel Arteta has now delivered a powerful message that could silence the critics.
For several seasons, Bukayo Saka has been Arsenal’s unstoppable spark—the player fans trust when a match needs a moment of magic.
But during the 2025–26 campaign, the numbers haven’t quite matched the expectations.
And as scrutiny around his performances quietly grew, Mikel Arteta stepped forward with a clear and emotional message.
The Arsenal manager insists his faith in the England winger is completely unshaken.
In fact, he says he “fully trusts and loves” Saka.
It was a statement that carried weight after a night where the 24-year-old struggled to make his usual impact.
A Difficult Night in Germany
The spotlight intensified during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.
Saka, usually the Gunners’ most reliable attacking threat, endured an unusually quiet evening at the BayArena.
After 60 minutes, Arteta made the bold call to substitute him—bringing on Noni Madueke instead.
At first glance, the decision raised eyebrows.
But minutes later, it proved decisive.
Madueke won a crucial penalty late in the game, allowing Arsenal to escape Germany with a draw that keeps their European hopes alive.
Even so, Saka’s substitution became a talking point, particularly given the growing debate about his output this season.
The Numbers That Tell a Different Story
On paper, Saka’s Premier League numbers appear modest compared with his recent standards.
So far this season he has recorded:
6 league goals
3 assists
For a player who has produced double-digit goals and assists in each of the past three seasons, those totals have surprised many observers.
But beneath the surface, the statistics paint a far more encouraging picture.
According to Opta data:
Saka ranks 5th in the Premier League for expected assists (5.67)
5th for chances created (50)
2nd for chances created from open play (43)
Those numbers reveal a player still heavily involved in Arsenal’s attacking engine—even if the final touch hasn’t always followed.
In other words, the creativity is still there.
The danger is still there.
And the impact remains enormous.
Arteta’s Powerful Backing
When asked about Saka’s form, Arteta did not hesitate to defend his star winger.
“With Bukayo, I fully trust him and I love him,” the Arsenal manager said.
“What he is doing for this club is incredible for someone of his age.”
Arteta emphasized that even the best players experience moments where performances dip slightly.
But that does not change their value.
“He can have a performance that doesn’t reflect his level,” Arteta admitted.
“That happens to every player in the world.”
The key point, however, is the bigger picture.
“When you look at his strength and the impact he has on the team, it’s incredible.”
Those words highlight just how central Saka remains to Arsenal’s identity.
A Workload Few Players Carry
One major factor behind Saka’s fluctuating form may simply be the enormous workload he carries.
Since breaking into the Arsenal first team as a teenager in 2018, Saka has become one of the most consistently used players in English football.
At just 17 years old, he made his debut.
Now, at 24, he has already accumulated 302 appearances for Arsenal.
That total places him 42nd on the club’s all-time appearance list—an extraordinary achievement for someone still in the early stages of his career.
And the number is still rising.
Depending on Arsenal’s progress in cup competitions, Saka could play 12 to 19 more games before the season ends, potentially pushing him into the club’s top 40 appearance-makers.
That kind of workload inevitably takes its toll.
Arteta acknowledged that injuries to key teammates—such as Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz—have forced tactical adjustments that also affect Saka’s rhythm.
“We’ve changed that unit on the right side a lot,” Arteta explained.
And those changes can disrupt chemistry and timing in attack.
Still Among the League’s Most Dangerous Players
Even during a season where critics question his numbers, Saka continues to achieve remarkable milestones.
At the end of February, he became the only Premier League player this season to complete:
40+ successful take-ons
40+ chances created
In fact, he recorded 46 in both categories.
That combination of creativity and dribbling power places him among the league’s most dangerous attacking players—regardless of whether the goals and assists fully reflect it.
Arsenal’s Season Is Reaching Its Climax
As Arsenal approach the final stretch of the season, the timing of Saka’s form will be crucial.
The Gunners are about to enter one of the most intense periods of their campaign.
Next up is a Premier League clash with Everton at the Emirates Stadium on March 14.
Then comes the decisive Champions League return leg against Bayer Leverkusen.
And just days later, Arsenal face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
It is the kind of schedule where big players must deliver.
And Arsenal still believe Saka will.
Competition Waiting in the Wings
If his struggles continue, Arteta does have other options.
Noni Madueke is pushing for more minutes after his decisive cameo in Germany.
Young talent Max Dowman has also begun gaining first-team opportunities on the right flank.
But despite the competition, one thing remains clear.
Bukayo Saka is still one of Arsenal’s most trusted players.
And as the season reaches its defining moments, Arteta believes the winger’s best performances may still be ahead.
Because when Arsenal need a moment of brilliance, the Emirates crowd still looks toward the same player.
Bukayo Saka.
Leave a Reply