Gary Lineker Voices Concern Over Arsenal Tactics Impacting Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka has managed only seven goals from open play this season, with Gary Lineker delivering a candid assessment of the Arsenal winger's recent struggles. The discussion unfolded on the Rest is Football Podcast, where Lineker, alongside Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, analysed Arsenal's 2-0 Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City.
Pundits Point to Tactical Constraints
Micah Richards highlighted that Saka, along with teammates like Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus, is burdened by excessive defensive duties under Mikel Arteta's system. "When they're getting on the ball, they're having to travel too far up the pitch," Richards noted, emphasising that this setup limits Saka's effectiveness in attacking positions.
Gary Lineker expanded on this, arguing that Saka's goal-scoring opportunities are stifled by Arsenal's deep-lying play. "He's having to do so much defensive work, and by the time he gets it they're all back and deep," Lineker explained. "It's very difficult to beat two or three players every time."
Arsenal's Broader Context
Despite Saka's dip in form, Arsenal maintain a commanding nine-point lead in the Premier League, chasing their first title since 2004. The club has not lifted a trophy since the 2020 FA Cup, with their last League Cup triumph dating back to 1993. However, Arsenal have favourable draws in the FA Cup and Champions League quarter-finals, facing Southampton and Sporting respectively.
Alan Shearer believes Arteta is unlikely to alter his tactics mid-season, a view echoed by Lineker. "They're not changing, though, between now and the end of the season," Shearer stated, with Lineker adding, "It's worked for them so far, that's why, isn't it?"
Saka's Personal Challenges
The 24-year-old England international has scored just nine goals overall this season, with only two league strikes since December. A minor injury in late January and early February sidelined him for two matches, compounding his consistency issues. Richards urged Saka to take personal responsibility, calling on him to "turn up in the big games" as Arsenal pursue silverware on multiple fronts.
This analysis comes amid broader concerns about Arsenal's attacking consistency, with several key players experiencing similar struggles in recent weeks. The pundits' insights underscore the tactical dilemmas facing Arteta as he balances defensive solidity with unlocking Saka's full potential.
