Carlton Cole believes Bukayo Saka has become a 'passenger' in Arsenal's side this season and gets too much 'grace' from manager Mikel Arteta. The former Chelsea striker made the comments on The Dressing Room Podcast after Saka played the full ninety minutes in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest, where Noni Madueke's strike secured the victory.
Saka's form under scrutiny
Saka enjoyed a fast start to the season, scoring three goals in his first matches in all competitions. Despite that, the 25-year-old has seen his form come under question, with Arteta recently suggesting that the forward should be aiming to score 'two or three' goals per game such is his quality.
Reflecting on Saka's latest display, Cole claimed that the winger is getting too much leniency from his boss and should have his spot in the starting lineup questioned in the coming weeks.
Cole's verdict on Saka
'We have to look at Saka, I'm not sure man, he's not doing it,' Cole said. 'I think he's a little bit of a passenger at the minute and I hope that he does come good but he's not quite there right now.
'I want him to do well and prove the haters wrong but his position is being questioned right now.'
Cole also pointed to young talent Max Dowman as a potential alternative, saying: 'You have Max Dowman and as they, if you're good enough you are old enough. He's probably looking at people on the bench, thinking 'How am I not getting on and playing' because he can glide past players.'
Eze's struggles on the left
Elsewhere, Cole challenged Eberechi Eze to up his levels after a quiet performance on the left wing saw him replaced by Madueke at half-time against Forest.
'Eze, it's just not working out for him,' Cole added. 'I love watching him play when he's given the freedom to do what he wants to do. But when you look at his goals, they are never really from the wings; they are down the centre of the pitch.
'I know he's got to drift in from the left but finding that balance [is tricky]. When Noni came on, he started getting the ball and started dribbling because he's really the only one who can beat a man down the outside so that is where Noni trumps him in that position.
'But that's not really his position – Odegaard's position is his position. So that is his conundrum that he has got to figure out quite quickly but I've got faith in him.
'He'll get the hang of it, but if you're going to be in a Championship winning team these are the types of challenges you have to overcome to be a top, top player.'
