A detailed analysis of Saka's season start, as his performances for Arsenal have come under closer scrutiny.

After scoring 16 goals in the 2023/24 season, Saka has not reached double figures in goals for any Premier League season at Arsenal since then. Since then, injuries and inconsistent form have plagued him. His combined goal tally over the last two league seasons is even three goals short of his best season at Arsenal.

He missed much of last season and the subsequent World Cup due to injury. Since returning to Arsenal, the midfielder has already scored three goals in five Premier League matches this season. Logically, such a start should improve the winger's external perception, but this does not appear to be the case.

Critics have begun to question Saka's performances and whether he deserves his substantial salary following the new contract he signed earlier this year. Some have even suggested that young prospect Douman could put more pressure on the English international.

Regarding the latter, Douman is widely regarded as a future key player for the team and as a successor to Ødegaard's role in midfield, rather than as a right winger, even though he came into the first team as a winger. This is typical of Arteta's approach of adapting young players to multiple positions. Saliba initially played left-back before moving to central midfield; Nwaneri also began on the right wing before gradually establishing himself elsewhere.

During Saka's absence last season, Madueke received numerous opportunities. Between March 1 and April 25, he started in 10 matches but was directly involved in goals in only two of them.

Saka is playing with an Achilles tendon problem, an injury that will not simply disappear. He must manage this situation with help from Arsenal's medical team. At the end of last season, following his return, he scored against Atlético Madrid and helped the team reach the Champions League final for the second time in the club's history.

He scored the only goal in a 1-0 away victory against Brighton. Arsenal fans know exactly how difficult it is to win at that venue. In the decisive 3-0 victory over Fulham, he contributed a goal and an assist.

He then provided a cross that led to Havertz's only goal in the win against Burnley. This victory was also the Gunners' last before they were crowned Premier League champions.

Since the start of the new season, he scored the second goal in the opening match against Coventry City, scored the winning goal against Aston Villa, and then won a penalty against Sunderland, which he converted, securing three points for the team.

A closer look at his statistics this season paints a very clear picture. According to FotMob, Saka ranks in the top 10% among Premier League wingers for goals per 90 minutes with 0.65; in the top 8% for expected goals excluding penalties with 0.69; in the top 15% for shots with 3.23; and in the top 4% for shots on target with 1.94.

Saka ranks in the top 18% for successful crosses with 1.29; in the top 25% for successful dribbles with 1.51; in the top 6% for successful duels with 58.5%; and in the top 20% for total successful duels with 6.46. He draws 3.23 fouls per 90 minutes, placing him in the top 6%; and has 6.46 ball touches in the opponent's penalty area, placing him in the top 14%.

It is also important to consider the context of the matches. Saka started in all five league matches for the Gunners, including three of the most difficult away fixtures in the Premier League against Aston Villa, Sunderland, and Brighton, venues where Arsenal failed to win in two of these three away matches last season. The two home matches included an important 2-1 victory over a heavily invested Chelsea side. Many viewed Chelsea as potential title contenders when the two teams met.

Of course, Saka has areas where he can improve, such as his finishing. He has currently scored two goals, but his expected goals excluding penalties stand at 2.42, suggesting a slight underperformance. His pace also appears to have decreased, with a top speed of 32.2 km/h compared to 33.7 km/h last season.

Looking at his shot distribution this season, it is clear that none of his three shots from outside the penalty area found the target. Historically, Saka has been a threat from this area, so there is certainly room for improvement here.

However, Saka's shooting zones are actually more diverse. He also appears on the left side of the penalty area, with one-third of his three shots on target coming from there.

From his heat map, it is evident that most of his activity remains close to the sideline. Compared to the previous two seasons, he cuts inside earlier after receiving the ball.

Ødegaard and Havertz returning to form is certainly a boost for the team, even though Arsenal played poorly against Brighton. Since the 2023/24 season, these players have not formed such a stable partnership until now.

However, it is also important to note that it takes time for them to adjust to the movement patterns and habits of their many teammates. The key point is that these three are currently the team's best goal contributors this season, so this adjustment phase is clearly delivering results.

It is easy to get caught up in the noise surrounding Saka. Truthfully, most of these voices come from people who want him to perform even better, not from malice. Saka has set the bar so high that his current performances are now viewed as the standard, rather than the exceptional displays they once were.

After his recent international break for his national team commitments, it is hoped that this will help the winger continue to find his form. When he returns to Arsenal and faces Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium, we can expect Saka to make an even greater impact.

Übersetzt von KI.

Die AF-Website ist jetzt online! Vollständige Nachrichten, Kommentare, Spieldetails und Statistiken auf dem Computer. Besuchen Sie: www.allfootballapp.com