Arsenal now told of reason why Bukayo Saka was ‘not happy’ during defeat to Villa

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Arsenal star Bukayo Saka cut a frustrated figure against Aston Villa.

Bukayo Saka was one of many Arsenal players to miss a presentable goalscoring opportunity at Villa Park.

Ultimately, this profligacy cost the Gunners, as Mikel Arteta’s men slumped to a 1-0 defeat against the Midlands outfit. Club captain Martin Odegaard was particularly guilty of being wasteful in front of goal, and was called out by fans for his lacklustre finishing. Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli also fluffed their lines at key moments. 

In general, Saka has been a reliable source of end product for Arsenal so far this season. In 22 outings, across all competitions, the 22-year-old winger has racked up eight goals and twelve assists.

The Hale End academy graduate’s importance to the north London club can hardly be overstated. He is a talismanic figure and fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium. It will therefore be a concern to see him appear so downcast against Aston Villa.

Former Wimbledon midfielder Robbie Earle was concerned by the England star’s body language. Speaking on the Two Robbies podcast, he said, “very rarely do I see Saka look like he’s got the hump a bit, he’s not happy with himself or the game. He looked a bit off. I don’t know. And I don’t know if that was the way he was being played. I thought [Lucas] Digne did a really good job.”

Unfair treatment of Bukayo Saka must be addressed 

Aston Villa certainly did a job on Saka. As per WhoScored statistics, he was fouled five times in the match, significantly more than any other player on the pitch. This may well have angered Saka.

However, he is used to such treatment. Saka has spoken out publicly about the additional attention he is being afforded by defenders this season. Said attention is not always gentle. The Arsenal starlet gets kicked around by opponents on a weekly basis, as all too often it is the only way to stop him.

Arteta will expect Saka to respond to this experience positively. As a player, he has enough character to bounce back from this and get back to his best quickly. The Gunners need Saka at his best, that much is clear. If they are to stand any chance of winning the Premier League title this season, Saka must retain his form and fitness.

Equally, referees must start affording him more protection. As things stand, Saka is the second-most fouled player in the division so far this season, as per Sofascore stats. There is a reason for this, and it is a trend that officials must recognise and take action against.