Wayne Rooney has a theory as to why Bukayo Saka has been struggling at Arsenal this season

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Wayne Rooney believes that the pressure of being Arsenal captain has weighed heavily on Bukayo Saka this season and has impacted his performances.

Saka struggled in the League Cup final against Manchester City as the Gunners were beaten 2-0 at Wembley Stadium.

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The 24-year-old has just looked off the pace at the Emirates Stadium this term, and it’s clear that he needs to be given time out of the team.

Following the 2-0 Carabao Cup final defeat, Rooney has been discussing Saka’s form this season and why the captaincy has caused him issues.

Wayne Rooney thinks Arsenal captaincy is affecting Bukayo Saka

Wayne Rooney thinks the Arsenal captaincy is affecting Bukayo Saka this season, following the winger’s poor run of form.

The Arsenal vice-captain has taken the armband on 22 occasions this season, given Martin Odegaard’s injury problems.

There is such big pressure on Arsenal to deliver silverware this term, and the pressure of being the captain seems to be weighing heavily on the 24-year-old.

When asked about Saka’s struggles, Rooney told BBC Sport: “What I will say is the pressure, especially on Saka as captain, he’s obviously been captain, that pressure to win trophies, and obviously, where Arsenal have not been winning trophies, that can tally up and make it difficult.

“I think he has struggled this season, but at times he’s also been a fantastic player, he’s been brilliant, but I think just that pressure, and he’s played a lot of games in his career already.”

There have been suggestions that Mikel Arteta’s system has also been holding him back, with the Spaniard telling his players not to take risks.

Saka has just nine goals and four assists in all competitions and looks set for his lowest goal involvement tally since the 2020/21 campaign.

In the final few months of the season, Saka needs to raise his game or he risks costing Arsenal yet more silverware.