Arsenal have started this campaign well, but some have claimed that they are not as good as they were last season, and Bukayo Saka has now answered the critics.
Mikel Arteta’s side are unbeaten in the Premier League and are top of their Champions League group, but have not attacked with the same fluidity which saw them flying higher than anyone expected this time last year.
A 5-0 victory over Sheffield United at the weekend lifted spirits as The Gunners produced an attacking masterclass, and Saka has now explained what is different for Arsenal this season.
Saka defends Arsenal’s performances
Speaking to The Mirror, Saka explained why there are differences between Arsenal’s performances now and last season.
“To be honest, I think we have to understand that each year is different. Last season we played a certain way, but this year teams are prepared for that and we have to try to adapt and change that,” he stated.
“Obviously that means one player might have less space when they had more space last season, so I think we just have to take into account the results that we’ve been getting.
“We are close to the top of the table in the Premier League, we are top of our Champions League group and we are still in all the other competitions.
“I think that is something we can be proud of, but I agree there is another level for us to go to. We are pushing, pushing and scoring five goals (against Sheffield United) shows we are getting closer to it.”
Arsenal’s more mature style
Although Arsenal may have been more entertaining to watch last season, a lot of games were chaotic as a result of their lack of control over games.
The victories over Liverpool, Manchester United and Bournemouth for example, saw Arsenal attack with gusto and secure dramatic victories, but they were not as comfortable as they could have been.
Arsenal may appear to have less of an attacking spark right now, but they are defensively more comfortable, and the victory over Manchester City was a prime example of the Gunners sacrificing attacking flair for defensive control.
It may be less entertaining, but over the course of a season, it could prove to be more effective.
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