Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has had a searing start to the season, but something has annoyed Darren Bent.
It’s been a remarkable opening seven games for the Englishman in the Premier League, seeing Saka record nine goal contributions already.
The winger is leading the pack in the English top flight in terms of assists, paving the way towards another impressive season in the final third with his boyhood club.
There has been some concern over Saka’s fitness during the October international break, as the forward was forced to withdraw from the England squad due to a hamstring injury.
Darren Bent explains what ‘annoys’ him about Bukayo Saka
Saka has been earning the headlines for his form at the start of the 2024/25 calendar however, the attention that the winger is getting is not appreciated by everyone.
Speaking on talkSPORT’s Inside Gooners podcast, former Premier League ace Darren Bent expressed his annoyance at some of the attention Saka generates.
When asked if the Arsenal star has ‘stepped up’ this season, Bent replied, ‘No’, before unleashing a rant regarding what comes with the Hale End graduate’s form.
“No, we’ve been seeing it season upon season and it annoys me because every single time, people talk about Saka whether it be with Arsenal or England,” Bent explained.
“When it’s Arsenal it’s ‘there are other players that are better than him’, and when he plays for England, ‘what can we change in the England team, Palmer should play on the right’.”
The former Tottenham forward then called on Saka’s critics to revise the winger’s numbers over the years, praising the level that the Arsenal ace consistently performs at.
“Have you looked at his [Saka’s] numbers over the past few years? They’re better than anybody’s, he’s so important.
“He’s been playing at such a high level for so long, we’re so used to seeing him play at these levels that other fans are looking for reasons to discredit him.”
Arsenal are relishing Saka’s form
Bent’s rant came from a good place, as the Arsenal supporter challenged those who attempt to discredit Saka’s quality.
Most importantly, the debate came as a result of the forward’s stellar start to the campaign, as the panel celebrated the form that the Englishman has displayed.
The 23-year-old is growing year upon year at Arsenal, being the poster boy of Mikel Arteta’s project and an adored figure at the Emirates.
Those that watch the Gunners week in week out are aware of Saka’s level, and how his form this term is impressive, but nothing out of the ordinary for the Hale End graduate.
As Saka continues to evolve, rival fans will find a way to pick at the Arsenal star, something that won’t bother the winger, as that brand of attention is merely an indication of success.
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