Mikel Arteta explains why Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is so ‘different’ this season

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Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has been on fire in terms of output, but some have questioned whether his form is better or worse than last season.

The winger was sensational again as the Gunners beat RC Lens 6-0 in the Champions League, and he has now set a new record for assists by English Arsenal players in the competition.

Saka now has seven goals and 10 assists in 19 games across all competitions, and has been crucial to Arsenal’s attack.

Amidst criticisms that Arsenal are not attacking with the same fluency as they were last season, Mikel Arteta has now explained what has changed for Saka this season.

Mikel Arteta explains Bukayo Saka change

Speaking after the victory over Lens, Arteta explained that Saka was showing a different kind of aggression this season, which has allowed him to score “ugly” goals like his one against Lens, which saw him bundle the ball in from a rebound.

“That’s a different edge to score ugly goals as well and be involved in this action,” he stated.

“That gives an advantage to your teammate and he did it as well against Burnley, when he won that header for Leo, and that’s a different kind of aggression. That’s good in this game and that’s a really positive thing to see.”

Saka’s incredible output

Saka had a stunning individual campaign last season as he scored 15 and assisted 11 times in 48 games in all competitions, and he is well on track to beat this total.

He is just one assist away from matching last season’s total, whilst he is eight goals behind in 29 games less.

He is also producing in the Champions League, and is top of the pile when it comes to European’s elite competition. He has more assists than anyone else, and as a combined total of goals and assists, he ranks above the likes of Erling Haaland and Harry Kane this season.

Saka has also delivered in key moments, with crucial assists to earn points at Chelsea and Brentford, whilst some of his goals have been match-winners and equalisers.

He is perhaps the Arsenal fans’ favourite player at the club, and he is hitting new levels of output whilst delivering top-class performances on a weekly basis.

Many have questioned whether Saka is “world-class,” but given his performances and output in front of goal, there’s not many players in the world that Arsenal fans would trade him for.