Saka silences critics as Arteta backs winger to fire Arsenal to historic quadruple

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has come out firmly in defence of Bukayo Saka, insisting the England winger’s contribution to the club remains “incredible” despite a prolonged dip in scoring form that has raised questions ahead of the business end of a season in which the Gunners are chasing an unprecedented quadruple.

Arteta made the declaration at his pre-match press conference on the eve of Arsenal’s home Premier League clash against Everton, managed by David Moyes. “We fully trust him and love him,” said the Spaniard. “What he’s doing for us, for this club, is just incredible at his age, and he’s continued to have that massive impact for us.”

The public show of faith comes during what is, by Saka’s own high standards, a difficult campaign. The 24-year-old has managed just nine goals and seven assists in 39 appearances across all competitions this season, a significant decline from previous years when he was consistently among the Premier League’s most productive attackers. In 2026 alone, Saka has scored just twice in 14 matches, with a run of two goals stretching across 21 appearances if the latter portion of 2025 is included.

The nadir of his season came in Arsenal’s 1-1 Champions League first-leg draw against Bayer Leverkusen in Germany earlier this week. Arteta took the rare step of hauling off his own captain while the Gunners trailed 1-0, replacing him with Noni Madueke, who subsequently won the late penalty converted by Kai Havertz. Saka had managed just two goals and three assists in his previous 21 appearances heading into the match.

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Despite the scrutiny, Arteta refused to point blame at his captain and urged patience. “He can have an individual performance that is not probably a reflection of his level, like every human, every player in the world,” the Arsenal boss said.

Analysts have suggested structural reasons behind the dip. Observers note that Saka is receiving significantly fewer passes than he did when Kai Havertz led Arsenal’s attack, with summer signing Viktor Gyokeres having altered the team’s offensive dynamic. Havertz’s return to full fitness could yet be the key to Saka rediscovering his best form.

The context, however, remains largely positive for Arsenal. Last week, Saka reached 300 appearances for the Gunners — becoming the fourth-youngest player to achieve the milestone, behind David O’Leary, Cesc Fabregas, and Liam Brady. He marked the occasion by scoring the only goal in a vital 1-0 Premier League win at Brighton, his 79th goal for the club.

Arsenal currently sit first in the Premier League, having won 20 of their 30 league games this season, with a seven-point lead at the top of the table. With the Champions League last-16 second leg against Leverkusen and the title run-in ahead, Arteta will be hoping his captain can rediscover the clinical edge that has made him one of English football’s most prized talents.