Bukayo Saka has faced scrutiny at various points in his career, despite establishing himself as one of the leading attackers in English football. His form this season has appeared inconsistent, though much of that can be attributed to the injury problems that have disrupted his rhythm.
The forward has endured several setbacks since the start of the campaign, limiting his ability to maintain continuity. Arsenal rely heavily on his creativity and attacking threat, but the frequency of his injuries has required a more cautious approach from the club.
Managing fitness and rediscovering form
In his most recent appearance against Fulham, Saka offered a timely reminder of his quality. Although he featured for only the first 45 minutes, his impact was significant in a match Arsenal needed to win. His performance demonstrated sharpness, confidence, and the ability to influence the game at the highest level.
The decision to substitute him at halftime was a deliberate effort to manage his workload and protect him from further injury. Despite the limited minutes, he delivered a display that answered some of the criticism directed at him.
Arsenal continue to place their trust in Saka, recognising his importance to the team’s ambitions. His ability to perform under pressure remains a key asset as the season reaches its decisive phase.
Praise for his performance
As reported by the Daily Mail, Isaan Khan highlighted Saka’s resurgence following his injury concerns. He wrote, “For those who questioned whether Saka would ever regain the speed and agility which propelled him to among the best wingers in world football, those worries were wide of the mark.”
He added, “His injury woes are now fully behind him, and it is Saka who can play a defining role in getting Arsenal over the line for a first Premier League title in 22 years , the club’s longest drought since they were first crowned champions in the 1930s.”
These observations reflect growing confidence that Saka can once again perform at his peak and play a decisive role in Arsenal’s pursuit of major honours.
Maintaining his fitness will be crucial, as his contributions could ultimately shape the outcome of the title race.
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I’ve always considered Bukayo as a man of very high character and inner strength and I believe he is showing it again as he rises above the mental demons which have sidelined so many others.
And Everton’s
Everton 2-1 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Unbelievable Dan
I went to the kitchen and came back to 1-1 and then the second went in
Sky commentary terrible for equaliser
when you watch it back , I’m screaming he can’t be offside on a pass back then I’m doubting myself ….then it’s goal given
3-1 Sue
3-1 lol
❤️ ❤️
3-2 lol 😭
My nerves are in shreds
even if they get it back to 3-3 we would have taken that
( that’s me trying to look after my anxiety)
And Everton’s 3 goals with
Ooh err Mrs. What a surprise.
Ffs
was about to make a cheeky comment about goal difference lol
Dan, how many extra minutes were there to play and when did city130 score the equaliser that Mr Oliver blew for with gusto?
he actually got it spot on
No he didn’t mate and you know it!
Should never have had the game either.
6 mins of added time
on 91 mins double sub
game restarts 91.45 ( so approx 45 seconds to add on )
Everton player needs treatment 95.13 seconds and is subbed game restarts 95.50 ( so another 30 seconds to add on )
so should be approx another 1 min 15 seconds to add on
so we should at least play 97.15 seconds
City score 96.50 which to me would make sense based on there still being more time left
by time they celebrate and kick off add another 35 seconds
whistle went 97.59 so makes lots of sense
Dan, I love the way you try to support Mr Oliver, no matter what he does.
The board went up, announcing six minutes of extra playing time.
Mr Oliver played over nine minutes of extra time.
Despite my state of delirium when Everton were 3-1 up, the fact that Mr Oliver was referee, made my celebratory mood one of just holding back – I was not disappointed and I suggest we keep an eye out to see what games Mr Oliver is given between now and the end of the season.
Mind you Dan, I believe he should have issued a straight red instead of a yellow for that awful foul in the first half.. Can’t remember the name of the Everton defender, but that took me back to the days of DK’s type of football – I thought we had stamped that kind of tackle out of the game!!
Your thoughts?
honestly mate I was counting when Everton started making subs
yeah I know the tackle you mean though.
I seen reds given for it but was delighted it wasn’t
I’m very nervous at the moment lol
I don’t deal well with these moments
I’m okay at the stadium but a wreck at the moment
Ken1945,
Can I just point out that when the fourth official shows how much time added on it is going to be, that just means at least said minutes added on.
You can get time added on for stoppages in added time also.
if peeps go back and watch it your see there is nothing controversial
the times add up
it’s desperation at this point
Why would I be desperate Dan?
I’ve just seen city130 drop two points and fail to dent the GD, which means that the PL title is back in our hands.
How you think desperation stems from those facts, rather puzzles me.
I’m remembering the history that Mr Oliver has with both Arsenal and
city130 and pointing out the fact that 50% more extra time was added, during which city130 rescued a point.
As I say, let’s see what games Mr Oliver gets in the final games and what influence he has.
I do know that Derek, but thanks for pointing it out.
Can I also point out that in the majority of games, the time indicated by the fourth official is usually the time that the on field referee sticks with,as Mr Oliver has done on many occasions… check it out.
I would also suggest you look at what other fans are saying about Mr Oliver and his timekeeping in this game.
At the end of the day, I’m very happy with the fact that the PL is back in our own hands, but I’m going to keep an eye on the games Mr Oliver gets between now and the end of the season and how his timekeeping is.
Ken1945,
It was Keane on Daka, and no I don’t mean the Roy Keane. 😂👍
OOPS! I meant Doku. 🤦♂️
And Everton’s is making good use of their
Well it’s a better result than I’d expected before ko but 3 points would have been the icing on the cake
it’s okay Sue I been quite good with my Arsenal and City predictions lol
I got it all worked out
massive pressure on City now at home to Brentford
@ DS
Good predictions. Kudos to you.
I was so gutted that they brought it back to 3-3 after being 3-1 down. That Doku is some player (2 great identical goals from opposite feet and opposite sides). Ndiaye played well but should have had a hattrick.
Agree IGL, he was fantastic all game and he roasted both full backs.
That first goal was perfection and had Guardiola up and punching the air. Sensational player tonight!!
Lets hope so Dan
Now that West Ham are facing a more difficult end, our game against them will be awash with jeopardy.
SueP, West Ham will have to attack us so it should be an open game and hopefully we can take advantage
Saka must step up his games against big oppositions. His good performance against average sides like Fulham has been there for years but when you step up a bit he disappears on the pitch.
We’ve played with him against Man City on 14 occassions, only once we won, drawing three and loosing a whopping 10! That’s not a good record.
However, last season we started with Martinelli on the right of attack where he normally plays against the same City, without him, we spanked them 5-1, season before last we started with another right footed player on that position, Gabriel Jesus, we beat the same City 1 nil.
These recent two rare winnings were all without Saka
Hope we do not think now we just have to win by one goal. Things can happen and we need to win games with authority, just like against Fulham. Lets not mess up this time. Full squad, minus merino and to come back Timber. No excuses from here in.
Reggie, we win the last 3 games 1-0 and the title is ours.
For HD and Reggie
I think we have to think about winning the next game by a solitary goal margin. 1-0, 2-1 or even 3-2.
West Ham is the one I am dreading.
IGL, West Ham will have to attack as they need all 3 points, so hopefully will can take advantage
HD, I can’t believe I’d ever feel like the CL semi 2nd leg is a bit of an annoyance. This season is messing with my head. Talk about having to refocus on other important matters.🤪
@ HD
Absolutely right. We have to hit them on the break. This is the game for Martinelli at half time.
MC did not have Rodri. I think the stars are aligning. I hope Rodri is unavailable for at least their next 2 fixtures where they may drop points.
Not the right attitude, that thinking lost us the advantage this season and previous. We should not make that mistake again. If we win 1-0 great but we should be looking to kill teams off. Not clinging on. Same errors can not be made.
I can not for the life of me see Arteta making the same mistakes again. Sitting on a1-0 creates pressure and we do not cope. Win the bloody thing and win it trying to win it. We have the best squad, best run and best chance. Do not make the same errors. If he goes all defensive, we are in trouble again.
We’ve got a lot of clean sheets.
IF we win anything it’s built upon our defensive shape. You will have to admit that if it happens. It’s a shape where everybody participates. Having said that, a few long weeks ago we seemed stuck in defensive shape unable to transition, and they have tried different things, Rice at Half Back with Zoob pushed on, also the line of engagement has changed from game to game – against Toon Ode’s arms were waving the troops backward into shape, not pressing or engaging high, against Fulham it was a higher press, but it’s riskier because everyone has to do their role in high press at same or else your gifting pockets of space for channel balls.
Alan Smith commentating on Fulham, admitted the title side he was in got nervous the closer they got. It seems worse for defenders, even Marc Ghei seemed in two minds.
We had a lot of clean sheets last season? Do you people not see what has lost is the league in previous seasons. Its no secret. I for one think Arteta has learned.🤞he has.
“ Do you people not see what has lost is the league in previous seasons. It’s no secret.”
Injuries exposing squad last season imo, not the tactics.
A lot of titles are won being nervous in last couple of months. Unbeaten runs is important, and Draws contribute to unbeaten runs.
Question. If we get one of the history making major trophies over the line, would that have a transformative affect on how we play next season. We are quite a young side, we could get stronger in coming seasons. There can’t be any “Arteta Out” if he wins both of them this month, that would already be a legendary legacy, even without building on it in coming years.
I think everything around the club, the fan base, the team, would be transformed for the better next season, just winning this title.
Anyone want to disagree?
it would change the mentality
be a huge barrier lifted
it would mean this time next year we be more composed on / off the pitch
I agree. It will be like a weight lifted. Instead of saying “do they have what it takes to get trophies over the line” they will have to acknowledge we have what it takes.
I’m excited for next season. Not least all our rivals are in a mess. When you think of the mess Chelsea are, need a manager who can work with both owners and dressing room, Newcastle might change too, likely Liverpool too or at least a lot of rebuilding of their squad, and Rodri, Bernardo and Pep all leaving Man City, we could be in for a strong start, everyone else have some serious rebuilding.
it would change everything you wouldn’t get nerves at the Emirates as much
the likes of me but would be more positive lol
Disagree Reggie. 1-0 does kill teams off and will continue to do so right on to the title if the team can continue to play well enough to make it happen.
No it hasn’t, you have a short memory. We took the lead last season alone 21 times and failed to win. This season we we have drawn and lost games because we have sat back. Lets not make the same mistakes. Kill the teams off, don’t keep them in it.
Reggie
Agree with you on the concept of sitting back. But I would happily take an edgy win in the next game (but playing the right way) just because of what is at stake in that game against West Ham,
I say at least 5-0 and none of this winning by one goal stuff.
Sorry for the sarcasm Reggie. I just hope the cards fall our way and we win the title and perhaps even the UCL for the first time ever.
Reggie has a point that it invites risk in the closing stages, opponents playing a 1 1 8 formation at you they wouldn’t start with but it’s what you do trailing in injury time.
If we are going to take risks, hit some longer balls to give away possession, commit to forward runs, let’s do it in the first 30 minutes of these matches, if it goes wrong in first 30, you got sixty to put it right. It needs to be adventurous and expansive from first whistle now I think.
Rinse the Fulham tactics and where it again Sunday.
Reggie, I’m not saying we should go out to just win the last 3 games 1-0, just that winning the games by that score will guarantee us the title.
Good because all we need is 3 1-0s but we should not be playing for 1-0s. Lets at least play like we want to score more, not sit back after we have scored. Believe it or not (but it is true) I do not want Arteta to fail but if he does, he will get it both barrels. 🤞
I also think peeps that unless City hammeer Place ( as that’s the only game I see them possible winning by a huge margin ) I think 7 points will be enough
Lots of funny results around at the moment.
City could put six passed Villa. It wouldn’t surprise.
yeah couldn’t believe how poor Villa were against Spurs
don’t think we can rely on them for any favours because they either will be celebrating lifting the cup , gutted they lost a final or nothing to play for ,( there safe In top 5 I reckon )
We always want to score more goals and we also always want to allow less. Striking the best balance wins in the long run.
Thanks a million Everton.
Now it’s up to Arteta”s tactics and our players’ hunger to win their remaining 3 games. COYG!!!
Please your fans for once 😇
Would never have dreamt of this result, especially after 55 minutes – city130 were playing some wonderful football.
It’s in our hands completely now and we just need to get over the line and play like we did against Fulham.
The players must be itching to get at West Ham, let alone AM.
Is it REALLY going to be our season?!!!?!?!?!?!
Back in our hand Ken with still the best run in. Its upto us to play with the same spirit as the Fulham game. Should be a lift for tomorrow also. If it doesn’t give them extra belief, nothing will. Read that Carragher said Arsenal fans will be disappointed with the draw. WHAT A GONK, WE ARE BUZZING!!!!!
Ken1945
Everton should have won it. Ndiaye should have had a hattrick. I hope we do our work in the next 3 games and not regret that last strike by Doku to get it back to 3-3 after being 3-1 down.
Absolutely esctatic.
The stars may be aligning for us in the PL.
I’m so glad the WH game isn’t until Sunday. Donnarumma saved their butts again and I can’t believe Ndiaye didn’t finish those great chances or let one of the other open players do so.
@ BB
MC did not have Rodri. I think the stars are aligning.
I feel it too IGL. 👍 Things can change quickly though so I’m not going to let myself get too high right now. What an exciting season even with the “boring” football!
@ BB
Of course you are right there. Elation followed by deflation.
Next Sunday’s match against West Ham is the key. Maybe, if (Big IF) we can edge a win there we can truly start dreaming of a great May 2026.
West ham are where they are because they are not great. And under a lot more pressure than us. Punish them and give them no hope.
I had 2-2 lol
Just heard that Guardiola is blaming the pitch – I wonder what those Arsenal fans who poked fun at Arteta and Raya for blaming such things as the ball, will come in and be as sarcastic with Pep as they were with Mikel?
No sign of them as yet! /😂😂😂😂
ken1945, you can’t be implying there is a double standard required to help promote an agenda?
BB, what do you think?
Unfortunately, you’re spot on Ken. Mikel sometimes stretches too much but every good manager, including the great Pep, attempts to deflect from losses. It’s not something to go overboard in beating your manager up for.
Ken1945,
Guardiola blaming the pitch, well to be fare Everton’s stadium is 10 month’s old now. Clearly they need a relayed pitch. 😂🤣👍
Well to be fair Derek, when Raya mentioned the ball, they were the new balls introduced by eufa.
Funnily enough, no other team has complained about the pitch at Everton, but I understand your wish to point out any excuses that you see being made by our club.
Ken1945,
I don’t know if I’m misunderstanding you, and my apologies in advance if I am. But are you digging me out for my comment’s regarding Arteta’s excuse of the ball v’s Newcastle in the league cup a couple of seasons ago.
If you are, I’d just like to point out that the ball that Arteta was complaining about was the same ball they played with in the earlier rounds and scoring something like 9 goals if my memory serves. No complaints about said ball then.
I’ll call out excuses any time I see them, be that my own team or the opposition.
Again if I’ve misunderstood you’re post, my apologies.
It would be much better if you could actually honestly quote what Arteta actually said rather than your disingenuous interpretation.
I doubt that you will do that however as it easier to repeat lies that you believe rather than tell the truth.
No lies there David, he said it. But you do you’re usual, and come out and try to justify it.
Don’t bother giving me any more of you’re explanations, I don’t take much if anything you say seriously anyway.
As I said why don’t you quote what he actually said?
You can’t or won’t because it would show how prejudiced you are.
David, why not set out the quote for us all to read and compare that to what Derek is saying?
That way, we can all make a judgement /comment.
Consider the context: Arsenal had an XG over 3 across both games and did not score a goal.
Asked what he could do to help his players improve their finishing, he said: “Nothing, just try and show them and give them tips of what we can do better”
“I think we kicked a lot of the balls over the bar and it’s tricky that this ball flies a lot. We discussed that as well, so there are details that we can do better.”
David,
The ball was the same for Newcastle, it didn’t stop them scoring twice did it.
Like it or not, Arteta said it. Arsenal get beaten with a stick enough as it is by opposition fans and pundits.
They don’t need the manager or players coming out with statements like that to give them further ammunition.
I’m afraid this is just silly. Arteta acknowledged that they have to do better but you people are joining opposition fans and pundits to twist his comments to mean he is making excuses.
This is why I refer to some of you as so-called fans. There’s nothing particularly egregious about what Arteta said.
David,
You calling anyone who dares to have negative opinions so called Arsenal fans, is just another example of you not being able to see that we’re no lesser fans than you are.
The fact we call out certain things, which means there will be some negativity at times, doesn’t mean there not Arsenal fans.
Derek
On this occasion I think you are going overboard based on what David has quoted. Arteta explained the properties of the ball and how it flew and how they could do better. That is far from a complaint as it could be.
Indeed and the Everton pitch that Guardiola was complaining about, was the first complaint raised this season.
Can you see why I raised the hypocrisy when it comes to Guardiola and city130?
No need to apologise mate, this is a website where differing opinions make it so enjoyable!! 😊
Yes Ken1945 I can see why you raised the hypocrisy.
But you didn’t answer my question, were you digging me out. 🤷♂️
I was questioning anyone, including you it seems, who seems to have a go at MA, but not Guardiola.
Ken1945,
I’ll call out any manager if I see fit to. Just to prove my point, does anyone else share my disgust at Guardiola’s continual spitting during in games.
That’s how TB is spread. It’s bad enough that the players do it, and the excuse when questioned on this is they get spittle come up so they spit it out. What rubbish, just swallow it. It’s not going to harm you as it’s you’re own spittle.
I’m surprised that more isn’t said or done regards the spitting to be honest. Now there, I’ve got that off my chest. And no I didn’t need to spit once.
Of course you can Derek, and it’s my perogative to point out hypocrisy as I see it.
For example, your calling out Guardiola for spitting, yet I’ve never seen you complain when one of our players spit while on the pitch!!
My wife says it’s disgusting as well and, just to wind her up, I say it helps the sliding tackle – that’s when I get the look that most married men know about!!
Ken1945,
I don’t like spitting in any form and never will, it’s a disgusting habit. I called out Guardiola on it to give you an example of me commenting on other managers to.
You can’t call me a hypocrite with me already having called out Arteta on ball gate.
Having never mentioned spitting before proves nothing in my view. I don’t comment on a lot of matters, but it doesn’t mean that Arsenal or any other team is guilty of said issue.