Bukayo Saka might be considered by Arsenal fans as one of the best wingers in world football but former player Jermaine Pennant has suggested things aren’t all that rosy.
Saka has not quite hit the heights in terms of stats as he did last season but with Arsenal top of the table, there’s been little in the way of complaints.
With the crunch period of the season now here, all eyes will be on Saka and if he can help Arsenal over the line.
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Of course, with such importance in the squad comes increased scrutiny.
And with Arsenal’s forwards under pressure in general and suggestions that the likes of Saka and Martinelli have made it harder for Viktor Gyokeres, former Gunner Jermaine Pennant has made a bold claim.
Jermaine Pennant suggests Bukayo Saka has been found out
It’s always interesting in football isn’t it how no matter how well things are going, players will always end up getting criticised in one way or another.
For Saka, this is nothing brand new and he is used to the limelight.
However, speaking about Saka, Pennant has raised a rather odd point.
Speaking on the Wildcards podcast, former Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas pointed out how he’s noticed criticism increasing when it comes to Saka.
“Have you noticed, like on social media there, there’s starting to be this little thing around Saka. Like a couple of things are like popping up. Like I saw something the other day, oh, first assist in a year,” Jenas said.
“Not scored since this time. Like someone’s starting something with him.”
Replying to Jenas’ point, Pennant then made a suggestion that Saka may well have been found out by some of the Premier League’s best.
“Yeah, I’m not saying he’s getting away with murder per se. He’s…the stats are not stacking up how they should be,” Pennant said.
“And, you know, it’s assists from a corner. They’re not, you know, they’re not pleasing on the eye. It’s, if you look at his last couple of assists, he’s from the corners. Yeah, I think people are starting to spot Saka and kind of call him out now. And it’s a question of, has the league got used to his style of play?”
Bukayo Saka criticism is completely ridiculous
Every footballer is there to be shot down and praised in equal measure but this idea from some – including Pennant here – that Saka is somehow not performing or letting Arsenal down is absurd.
Saka has been and remains one of Arsenal’s key players. He is a constant threat, the Gunners are a better team when he plays, and he is vital to Mikel Arteta.
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Yes, the basic stat-lines are not where he might want them to be. But the notion that Saka is somehow partly responsible for Gyokeres’ poor form is baffling.
If Arsenal win the title, it will be very much down to players like Saka. On the pitch, he is brilliant while off the field, he is a culture setter for the club and that’s something money can’t buy.
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