Gabriel Agbonlahor says Bukayo Saka keeps doing something for Arsenal that he really doesn’t like

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Aston Villa icon Gabby Agbonlahor has been comparing Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke after the latter’s impressive international break.

Madueke impressed for England and was repaid by Thomas Tuchel with two starts over the September break. 

It was a contrasting break in play for Saka, who remained in North London as he continues to nurse a hamstring injury. 

Amid the international action, there’s been a lot of talk about Saka and Madueke’s roles at Arsenal, with the latest to share their opinion being Agbonlahor. 

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Gabby Agbonlahor has a problem with Bukayo Saka

The talk comes as Madueke has been playing on the right side in place of Saka for both Arsenal and England. 

Due to how well the summer signing has been performing, there’s discourse regarding whether Saka might have to fight to get his place back on the right in the near future. 

For Mikel Arteta, it’s a dream situation to have two players competing at their best for game time, with Madueke and Saka offering different things from the same role. 

Such was echoed by Agbonlahor on talkSPORT, as the former Premier League striker shared one thing he’s noticed about Arsenal’s two wingers.

“I love Saka, but the problem I have with Saka sometimes is that he loves to get the ball to feet,” the Aston Villa icon declared.

“What I loved about Madueke’s goal was that he ran in behind, a great flick from Morgan Rogers as well, a fantastic goal.”

Agbonlahor was speaking in relation to Madueke’s first goal for England, a chance that was largely crafted by the Arsenal forward, who had a lot of work to do after Morgan Rogers’ clever flick.

While it’s been a positive time for Madueke, Arsenal fans won’t necessarily appreciate Agbonlahor’s assessment, who implied that Saka doesn’t move the way the former Chelsea player does. 

How Noni Madueke compared to Saka in 2024/25 

Comparisons between the two players are naturally flying, at a time when Madueke is performing in Saka’s place. 

It will be fascinating to see how Arteta addresses the situation once the Arsenal academy product returns to action. 

Based on last season’s Premier League data, it’s fair to see why comparisons between the pair are being made, as they were similar in their approach, based on per 90 figures.

That being said, Saka was way ahead of Madueke in some key areas, recording more than three times as many goal-creating actions per 90, as well as completing more take-ons. 

For Arsenal, it’s a win-win situation, as two in-form and impressive young wingers are there at Arteta’s disposal, with a big season ahead for the duo.