21 February 2024 , 22:53
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Bukayo Saka was far from his usual self during Arsenal's disappointing defeat away at Porto in the Champions League round of 16.
The Gunners golden boy was part of an attacking line-up that failed to register a shot on target all game, the first time an Arsenal side has done that in two years. Some may file this display as a bad night at the office and move on, but there may be a bigger problem brewing with Saka, one that also reared its head last season.
Ahead of the clash at the Estadio Dragao, Gunners legend Gilberto Silva conceded he felt that Saka looks tired due to the number of games under his belt. Despite boasting 15 goals and 13 assists across all competitions this term, may feel Saka still isn't operating at the level he showed he could last term.
Gilberto has offered up an explanation, telling O Jogo: "Saka is the star, although he looks a bit worn out to me. He and Martinelli are very important up front."
The Brazilian isn't the only Arsenal icon to have flagged this is a problem. Last season, at the back end of the campaign, Ian Wright echoed a similar sentiment to Gilberto's and encouraged Arteta to bench Saka to help him recharge.
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"Maybe Saka should get a little bit of a rest," said Wright. "I think a little rest. Maybe my mouth is going too quickly for my brain, in this situation we can’t afford to lose any more games. We need everybody out there, but I just worry, I worry for him."
Saka's display was a far cry from the kind of performance he has put in in recent weeks. Back-to-back braces against West Ham and Burnley beforehand meant he was always going to play the full 90 minutes in Portugal, but Arteta would have expected more.
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Gilberto Silva admitted he thinks Bukayo Saka looks tired (Getty)The England international managed just one dribble and one attempt on goal, which did not trouble Porto goalkeeper Diego Costa. And yet, the nature of being in the Champions League means Saka will have to get himself ready for action again in just three days.
Newcastle will visit the Emirates on Saturday night and given the nature of this defeat against Porto, another slip-up when the Magpies roll into town could spark a swift decline. It is unlikely Arteta will give his main man a rest, so Saka needs to dig deep.
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