Arsenal fell to their third defeat in a row as Liverpool knocked them out of the FA Cup on Sunday, and further questions are being asked of the players and manager.
Arsenal played well for most of the game, but could not finish their chances and were punished towards the end of the second half, falling to a 2-0 defeat at home to continue their miserable run of just one win in seven games.
Mikel Arteta made several changes to his lineup, with Jorginho and Aaron Ramsdale both impressing after starting for the first time in a while, but star winger Bukayo Saka dropped yet another disappointing performance.
Mikel Arteta needs to drop Bukayo Saka from Arsenal XI
Over the years, no one could have ever fathomed that Saka would be a player earning criticism for his displays, but he is now enduring arguably his worst run of form since becoming a first-team regular.
Saka was disastrous against Liverpool, missing several chances including a glorious opportunity as he found himself on the ball beyond goalkeeper Alisson, before a poor touch saw him miss and send the ball out for a goal kick.
Gabriel Martinelli on the other wing was dropped in favour of Reiss Nelson, who was bright at times during the defeat, and Saka now needs to receive the same treatment, for his sake as well as the team’s.
Bukayo Saka would benefit from a rest
Saka has appeared in all but one Premier League game this season, and hardly ever gets a rest as he starts and often plays the whole match every week.
He missed Arsenal’s victory over Manchester City in October through injury, but quickly recovered, and there have been concerns from fans and pundits over his playing time.
Arsenal are also worried that he is receiving too many heavy-handed tackles, and his poor form may be partly due to fatigue.
The Gunners have a mini break before facing Crystal Palace on January 20th, but an extended break for Saka could be beneficial.
Nelson has impressed in limited opportunities and could slot in for him on the right-hand side against Palace.
Saka has been a shining light in this Arsenal side for four years, and his poor form is not a reflection of his ability, but a short period on the bench could help keep him physically and mentally fresh ahead of the second half of the season, and Nelson deserves an extended run in the side on either wing.
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