Porto man will now fear ‘unplayable’ Arsenal star after what he just did v Burnley

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Journalist and former Arsenal winger Adrian Clarke believes that one thing Bukayo Saka did against Burnley will scare Porto.

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has been in blistering form in recent weeks.

The 22-year-old attacker has scored in each of his last four Premier League matches, finding the back of the net six times across those outings, including back-to-back braces in his last two games.

Against Burnley last time out, in Arsenal’s 5-0 win at Turf Moor, Saka grabbed his first from the penalty spot. In the second half he then doubled his tally with a thunderous right-footed strike beyond the helpless James Trafford.

In the past, Saka has been accused of being too predictable as a player, as his preference is generally to cut inside onto his stronger left foot. With this goal against the Clarets, though, in the build up to which he opted to go around the outside of the attendant Burnley defender before getting his shot off, Saka provided a reminder that he can do real damage with his right foot too.

It is so important for the 32-cap England international to have this weapon in his arsenal. For any defender facing him, the knowledge that Saka can cause a problem regardless if he is shown on the outside or the inside will inspire major concern.

Why Porto will fear Bukayo Saka when they face Arsenal

Adrian Clarke and presenter Ian Stone recently discussed this aspect of Saka’s game on the Handbrake Off podcast. Stone said of the Hale End academy graduate, “he is almost unplayable when he is in that sort of mood.”

Clarke then stated, “it makes a hell of a difference. You’ve got to keep full-backs guessing…that goal, now, instantly puts a doubt in the mind of the Porto left-back.”

Saka will have his chance to test the Porto defenders on Wednesday evening, when Mikel Arteta’s side will travel to Portugal for the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 knockout tie. Porto will have already identified Saka as the Gunners’ danger man, but that does not mean that they will necessarily be able to stop him, especially if their defenders are unsure which direction to shepherd him in when he is on the ball.

Saka has made an impressive start to his Champions League career this season, racking up three goals and four assists in his first five outings in the competition. He will be desperate to add to those numbers on Wednesday, and may well once again use his right foot to do so.