Questions are beginning to surface about whether Arsenal F.C. are becoming overly dependent on Bukayo Saka, especially after their recent defeat to Manchester City F.C. in the Carabao Cup final. That loss, which marked Arsenal’s 50th match of an intense and demanding season, ended their hopes of securing a historic quadruple.
Despite the disappointment, Arsenal’s campaign remains highly impressive. They are still competing strongly across multiple competitions, sitting in a commanding position in the Premier League while also reaching the quarter-finals of both the FA Cup and the Champions League. Remarkably, the defeat to Manchester City was only their fourth loss in all competitions this season, underlining their overall consistency.
However, Saka’s performance in that final, combined with a noticeable dip in his recent form, has drawn scrutiny from fans and pundits alike. As one of Arsenal’s most influential players, any drop in his output inevitably becomes a focal point of discussion. With the World Cup approaching, Thomas Tuchel, now managing England, has taken steps to manage player workloads, even granting Saka a rest during the international break to ensure he remains fresh for the challenges ahead.
Former England striker Wayne Rooney has suggested that the pressure of expectations could be affecting Saka’s performances. He noted that while Saka remains a top talent, the sheer number of matches he has played at a relatively young age might be taking a toll. The winger’s high standards have set a benchmark that makes even slight dips in form appear more significant.
Saka, now 24, recently committed his future to Arsenal by signing a new five-year contract, reinforcing his status as the club’s central figure. His journey from academy prospect to first-team star has made him a fan favorite and a symbol of the club’s identity. In many ways, he is not just a player but a cornerstone of Arsenal’s present and future.
This prominence also brings pressure. When Arsenal struggle to convert performances into victories or silverware, attention naturally shifts to their key players—and Saka is at the forefront of that conversation. His output since the start of the year has been modest by his own standards, with only two goals in 17 appearances. A brief scoring drought of 15 matches further fueled concerns, although he did eventually find the net in a draw against Wolves while playing in a more central role.
Overall, Saka has scored six league goals in 27 appearances this season, a return that falls short of his previous campaigns. Yet, these numbers do not tell the full story. Underlying metrics, such as expected goals (xG), suggest that he has been somewhat unfortunate, potentially missing out on additional goals and assists due to factors beyond his control.
One key factor influencing Saka’s form is the tactical attention he receives from opponents. As Arsenal’s primary attacking threat on the right wing, he is often marked by multiple defenders. This limits his space and forces him to rely on teammates to capitalize on the openings he creates. While this contributes to the team’s overall attacking play, it does not always reflect in his individual statistics.
In addition, injuries within the squad have disrupted Arsenal’s usual attacking rhythm. The right-hand side of the team, which once functioned seamlessly, has been particularly affected. Martin Odegaard, the club captain, has endured an injury-plagued season, limiting his appearances. Similarly, Ben White has faced fitness issues, while Jurrien Timber has been rotated in and out of the lineup.
This disruption has weakened the chemistry that once allowed Saka to thrive. Previously, his understanding with Odegaard and White created fluid movement and space on the right flank. Without that consistency, Saka has had to adapt, often without the same level of support.
Further complicating matters is the absence of a stable attacking partner. Injuries to Kai Havertz have forced Arsenal to experiment with different forward options, including new signing Viktor Gyokeres. However, the partnership between Saka and Gyokeres is still developing, and the lack of established chemistry has impacted the team’s attacking cohesion.
Concerns about Saka’s workload have also emerged. The Carabao Cup final marked his 305th appearance for Arsenal, an impressive milestone for a player of his age. Manager Mikel Arteta has consistently emphasized the importance of durability, pointing out that elite players must handle demanding schedules to succeed at the highest level.
Arteta’s philosophy reflects the reality of modern football, where top players often participate in up to 70 matches per season. While this expectation underscores Saka’s importance to the team, it also raises questions about the long-term impact on his physical condition.
Injury concerns have started to appear, albeit relatively minor so far. Last season, Saka experienced his first significant setback with a hamstring injury that sidelined him for over three months. This season, he has dealt with additional fitness issues, including another hamstring problem and a hip injury that caused him to miss several matches.
Despite these challenges, Saka’s resilience has been evident. He returned strongly from injury last season, scoring crucial goals and contributing to Arsenal’s deep run in the Champions League. His ability to bounce back highlights his mental strength and commitment.
From a statistical perspective, this season may not match his previous highs, but it still holds significant importance. In the 2023–24 campaign, Saka’s goal-scoring numbers were boosted by penalties, which have been less frequent this season. As a result, his overall output appears lower, even though his influence on the team remains substantial.
Saka has consistently been among Arsenal’s most-used players over the past six seasons, accumulating significant minutes on the pitch. This season alone, he has already surpassed his total playing time from the previous campaign, reflecting his central role in the team’s plans.
Looking ahead, Arsenal could play up to 15 more matches if they progress to the finals of both the FA Cup and the Champions League. This would bring Saka’s total appearances for the season to an extraordinary level, further emphasizing the physical demands placed on him.
As the World Cup approaches, managing his workload becomes even more critical. Tuchel has acknowledged the importance of protecting key players, recognizing that fatigue could impact their performance on the international stage.
Ultimately, while Saka’s current form may not match his usual standards, it is important to view his contributions in context. Football is a team sport, and individual performance is often influenced by factors such as tactics, injuries, and overall team dynamics.
If Saka can play a pivotal role in helping Arsenal secure major trophies this season, his campaign will be remembered as a success regardless of individual statistics. Moreover, his continued development and influence will be crucial for England’s ambitions on the global stage.
In many ways, this season represents a test of Saka’s resilience and adaptability. While questions about Arsenal’s reliance on him are valid, they also highlight his importance. Rather than being a weakness, his central role underscores his value to the team.
If Arsenal achieve their goals this season, Saka’s contributions—whether measured in goals, assists, or moments of brilliance—will be a key part of their success story.
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