Is Saka getting back to his best at Arsenal?
August 27, 2026 07:20
Bukayo Saka was among Arsenal’s brighter performers in their 3-0 opening Premier League win, scoring the club’s second goal and frequently threatening down the right flank. His display against Coventry followed a brief cameo in the Community Shield and came after a summer break and managed minutes at the World Cup.
The recent sharpness on display has led supporters to suggest he may be returning to the form that helped Arsenal last season.
KEY CONTEXT
Saka suffered an Achilles problem in March that led to managed game-time for both Arsenal and England. He missed the March international break and seven club matches, and was substituted in the Champions League final in Budapest — a performance that drew criticism. England’s manager limited his minutes at the World Cup; Saka started three of England’s eight matches and totaled 357 minutes (48% of England’s available minutes) across the tournament. He finished the World Cup with three goals and three assists, including a hat-trick in the 6-4 third-place match against France.
Last season Saka registered 11 goals and nine assists in all competitions and still made 49 appearances for Arsenal despite a stop-start campaign. Arsenal’s win percentage was reported to be noticeably higher when he featured.
WHY IT MATTERS
If Saka is regaining the sharpness that was missing late last season, Arsenal regain a key attacking outlet on the right who has previously contributed substantially to goals and assists. His minutes management — both at club and international level — has been a feature of the past year, so maintaining his fitness and form could be important for Arsenal’s campaign given the positive impact noted when he plays.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Saka sustains the form he showed against Coventry in subsequent league fixtures.
- How Arsenal and England manage his minutes through the season after the March injury and limited World Cup playing time.
- Whether his early return to training after the World Cup (he took seven days off then resumed) continues to translate into match sharpness.
KEY FACTS
- Saka scored in Arsenal’s 3-0 opening-day win over Coventry and was influential down the right.
- He had 11 goals and nine assists for Arsenal last season and made 49 appearances.
- An Achilles issue in March led him to miss the March international break and seven club matches.
- He was substituted in the Champions League final in Budapest and faced criticism for that outing.
- At the World Cup he played 357 minutes (48% of England’s total), starting three of eight games, and recorded three goals and three assists — including a hat-trick in the third-place match versus France.
- Arsenal’s win percentage was reported to be notably better when Saka featured.