In many ways, Bukayo Saka’s importance to Arsenal can be difficult to quantify.
Bukayo Saka is a talismanic figure at Arsenal, beloved by the Emirates Stadium faithful and entirely trusted by Mikel Arteta.
Having been on the North London outfit’s books since the age of seven, the winger has a deep bond with the club.
He emerged from the Hale End academy and into the first team at a time when the Gunners were in desperate need of a lift. Saka was able to provide that boost and has not looked back since.
Despite still being just 23-years-old, he is a senior figure in Arteta’s squad and regularly wears the captain’s armband if Martin Odegaard is absent.
Saka is the heartbeat of this Arsenal team, and represents something unique and special to the club’s supporters.
In other ways, though, his worth is entirely measurable, and the statistics underline just what a remarkable talent Arsenal have on their hands.
Bukayo Saka leading Erling Haaland, Mo Salah and many more
The numbers truly demonstrate just how impressive Saka’s output is.
Already this season, he has racked up two goals and seven assists in just seven Premier League outings.
According to FBRef statistics, this return means that Saka has contributed 1.43 non-penalty goals and/or assists per 90 minutes so far this season.
No other player in the Premier League can compete with this level of end product. Saka is ahead of Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland and Liverpool icon Mo Salah. His closest challenger, Cole Palmer, has provided 1.31 on-penalty goals and/or assists per 90 minutes for Chelsea.
The 43-cap England international’s record makes his expected absence on Sunday all the more devastating for Arteta. Saka is unlikely to be fit enough to face Liverpool in this weekend’s Premier League showdown at the Emirates Stadium.
How Arsenal can cope without Saka vs Liverpool
Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus have both deputised on the right wing during Saka’s recent absence. One of these two is likely to start in that position against the Reds.
Arsenal fans cannot realistically expect either Jesus or Sterling to be as impactful as Saka would likely be, but that does not mean that the duo cannot make their presence felt if called upon.
Both Sterling and Jesus have quality that they have proven in the Premier League before, but Arteta must trust them to show it. The Spanish coach needs to show greater faith in his side’s attacking quality across the board.
The Gunners were far too negative in their approach to each of their last two matches. Arteta must trust Arsenal to attack Liverpool, as that is their only chance of overcoming the Merseyside outfit, with or without Saka in the team.
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