Bukayo Saka’s form this season has not been at the level Arsenal fans have come to expect.
The Gunners’ academy graduate is one of the best players in the world, but injuries and learning to play with a few new teammates may have affected his rhythm.
That has led to a dip in form, and his return of nine goals and seven assists in 42 games shows exactly that. They are just not good enough for a player of his quality.
Mikel Arteta is fully aware of that, so he had a private chat with Saka, where he asked him to forget about the past and make himself remembered in the business end of the season.
What is disappointing you most about Bukayo Saka right now?
Mikel Arteta reveals the advice he has given to Bukayo Saka amid poor form
Despite his struggles this season, Bukayo Saka is one of Arsenal’s most important players.
The Englishman has the full support of Arteta and his coaching staff, and they have no doubts about how he will fare in the final two months of the season.
In his press conference ahead of Arsenal’s FA Cup clash against Southampton, the Arsenal boss was asked if he was worried about Saka’s struggles or if he thinks the winger will step up in the coming games.
Arteta replied, as relayed on HaytersTV: “I’m certain of that (he will find his best form).
“I spoke to him, I said: ‘In the end, everybody is going to remember what we’ve done in the last part of the season and in this final push of eight weeks, what we’re going to deliver individually, and that’s where now we can impact.
‘What we’ve done in October and November, it’s irrelevant, it’s done. It’s about now and how we prepare ourselves to give the best chance to win what we want.’”
Mikel Arteta’s message to Bukayo Saka is perfect
Saka’s form earlier in the season will not matter if he delivers in the final weeks and helps Arsenal win the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
Yes, there has been criticism directed towards the England star, but all of that will be forgotten if he gets the Gunners over the line.
That is how football works, especially at the highest level.
Answer honestly: Is Bukayo Saka really the best winger in the world right now?
Arteta telling him that the past is irrelevant allows Saka to move on from his struggles. At the same time, reminding him that people will remember what he does now is powerful motivation.
That is why this is perfect man management from the Arsenal manager, and we expect that advice to help Saka return to his very best in the coming games.
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