Craig Burley raises concerns over Saka’s diminished burst of speed this season
ESPN analyst Craig Burley has expressed worries about Arsenal sensation Bukayo Saka, indicating that the youngster has lost the explosive burst of speed that made him such a danger for defenders last season.
Despite an amazing statistic record of 20 direct goal contributions in 26 games this season, Saka’s overall performance has left both analysts and fans wondering about his form.
The Gunners’ recent troubles, including their third consecutive defeat, have increased criticism of individual player performances, with Saka at the forefront of discussion.
He said on ESPN: “It just looks like he’s a player who has just lost a wee bit of confidence and he’s doubting himself a little bit because I’m not talking about the one he shanked at the back post in the second half, which wasn’t great, but how many times have we seen this super-talented guy at the moment beating defenders?
“It seems to me at the moment he’s coming back in a lot on his left foot and I’ve not seen him a lot recently drop the shoulder and go away from a full-back and really get in behind and make the difference.
“It’s just that part of his game he’s just lost that little burst of pace at the moment and maybe that’s his confidence or whatever it is or he’s feeling the heat of the amount of games that he’s played in the last 18 months.
“I don’t know, but I think there’s one thing for sure – If Bukayo Saka continues to struggle, it’s going to be a difficult pathway to see Arsenal winning this title.”
Burley observed that defenders are now finding it easier to manage the English winger, implying a significant decrease in his speed compared to the previous season.
Arsenal, who were top of the Premier League standings before Christmas, are currently in a vulnerable situation, having won only one of their past seven games in all competitions.
As the team takes a winter break for warm-weather training in Dubai, the hope is that the break will reinvigorate Saka, who has played hard for both club and country over the last two years.
With their upcoming match against Crystal Palace looming, Arsenal confronts an important turning point in their title chase.
If they fail to reverse their dismal record, their hopes of capturing the trophy may be dashed sooner than planned, throwing doubt on the once-promising season.
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