Arsenal icon David O’Leary has launched a surprising critique of Bukayo Saka, arguing the winger no longer performs at the level that once made him one of the Premier League’s most feared attackers.
Arsenal legend David O’Leary claims Bukayo Saka goes down too easily
David O’Leary Slams Bukayo Saka: ‘He’s Not the Player He Was’
Saka, 25, has started the 2026/27 campaign brightly, netting three goals in six appearances for the defending champions.
The England international, who joined Arsenal’s academy at seven and debuted in 2018, has amassed over 300 appearances and 84 goals for his boyhood club.
His contributions helped end Arsenal’s long title drought, and in February he signed a lucrative new deal to become the club’s highest earner.
However, O’Leary Arsenal’s all-time record appearance maker told talkSPORT that Saka’s current output does not justify that status.
“I really like the guy but I honestly don’t think he’s in the best form,” O’Leary said.
“I think he goes down too much now. He’s looking for that touch to go down.
The player I saw before was much more positive, he was not going to let the full-back put him on the deck.
He’s not the player that he was, without a doubt.”
O’Leary, who praised Declan Rice’s recent performance, insisted Saka must “step up again” for Arsenal to become “a more powerful team.”
He admitted he struggles to explain the perceived decline, noting the winger’s character remains unchanged.
Saka’s statistical output this season remains respectable, yet O’Leary’s comments highlight growing expectations surrounding the club’s star man.
Arsenal responded to a shock 3-0 defeat at Brighton with a comeback win over Leeds United.
Manager Mikel Arteta said: “We talked about restoring our identity and being ourselves again. We certainly reacted in the manner we expected.”
