Bukayo Saka has been one of Arsenal’s most important players for years and is almost always among the first names on the team sheet.
The England international has consistently delivered for Mikel Arteta and remains a key figure in the Gunners’ attack.
However, Saka’s recent form has raised questions, and not everyone believes he should continue to start.
Ally McCoist is one of those voices, and he thinks the time has come for Arteta to take his number seven out of the starting lineup for a few weeks.
Is it time to bench Bukayo Saka?
Ally McCoist believes Bukayo Saka should be dropped from the Arsenal starting XI
Saka’s importance to Arsenal cannot be overstated, and he is widely regarded as one of the club’s best players.
That is why most fans do not even consider the idea of dropping him, regardless of his form.
However, there is no denying that Saka has struggled this season, with just nine goals and seven assists in 42 appearances.
Those numbers are not at the level expected of a player of his quality and influence.
That dip in output has led to calls for change, with McCoist among those questioning his place in the starting lineup.
Speaking on talkSPORT, McCoist said: “I have said for weeks, I love Bukayo Saka, I do. However, I think his form has dipped a little.
“I’ll tell you what I think it is, I just think it’s a drop in form. I don’t know whether it’s a confidence thing. I would’ve played Noni Madueke. I maybe would (leave Saka out for a few weeks).
“I think, in this moment in time, I think Madueke deserves a starting position more than most in that particular position. I’d go even on the other side, Madueke would give you more on that side than perhaps Leandro Trossard.
“Gabriel Martinelli is another one who could do with more game time, certainly more than Saka.”
What is disappointing you most about Bukayo Saka right now?
Bukayo Saka still deserves to start despite a recent dip in form
Form is temporary, but class is permanent, and Saka has already shown over several seasons what he can deliver. Dropping him at this stage of the campaign, when Arsenal are going for the treble, could disrupt the side more than it helps them.
There are also contextual factors to consider, particularly the impact of Martin Odegaard’s imminent return from injury and Ben White’s presence at right-back due to Jurrien Timber’s absence.
Both players have previously helped Saka perform at a higher level, and there’s no reason why that cannot happen again.
McCoist’s preferred alternative, Madueke, hasn’t been much better than Saka either. He has scored just seven goals and provided four assists in 31 appearances. Just three of those direct goal contributions have come in the Premier League.
Those numbers are not significantly stronger, which makes the case for replacing Saka even less convincing.
The Arsenal number seven has earned the trust to play through a difficult spell, especially at the most important stage of the season. Madueke can still play a role from the bench, but taking Saka out of the team entirely would be an overreaction.
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