Bukayo Saka’s form remains a major concern for 2026

Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Leeds United has intensified scrutiny on Bukayo Saka’s form. Former Gunners captain David O’Leary told talkSPORT that the England winger must “step up” to justify his new contract and his standing among the club’s elite players.

Bukayo Saka form questioned by David O’Leary

Saka, who progressed through Arsenal’s academy and became a regular in the first team as a teenager, had a less influential showing against Leeds and squandered a notable early chance that drew attention to his recent run of displays. In his talkSPORT interview, O’Leary praised Saka personally but warned that the winger’s approach on the pitch has shifted.

“I really like the guy. But I do think one thing, seeing him grow up and get into the team before everyone knew how good he was, I think he goes down too much now,” O’Leary said. “I think he’s looking for that touch to go down and the player I saw before that was much more positive, he was not going to let the full-back put him on the deck, or anybody else.”

O’Leary added: “He’s not the player that he was, without a doubt. He’s still a top player, but is he the player that got this fantastic new contract at Arsenal to make him one of the top-paid players in the country? I don’t think so at the moment.”

Why the Bukayo Saka form debate matters

The former Arsenal captain suggested changes in Saka’s on-pitch approach, with fatigue or a dip in confidence possible contributing factors. He noted the team’s overall progression and highlighted Declan Rice’s standout performance as a positive sign, while stressing that Saka needs to reassert his influence to keep Arsenal’s attack potent.

“I don’t know what’s happened. But when I look at the team and how it’s progressing, whose playing well and how great Declan Rice was yesterday, I think Saka has to step up again. If he does step up, Arsenal become a more powerful team.”

O’Leary also implied that Saka’s high-profile contract could influence perceptions of his current form and suggested that Arteta might consider managing Saka’s load to help him regain his sharpness. His comments come amid broader discussion about whether the winger remains at peak form for a club chasing major honours.

Bukayo Saka form: context and alternatives

Context matters, and Arsenal’s attacking options provide potential relief if Saka’s influence wanes. The discussion referenced Noni Madueke as a possible alternative on the right, a player who has drawn attention as depth in that position. Declan Rice’s strong display in midfield was cited as a positive for the balance of the side, indicating Arsenal still possess avenues to maintain momentum even if Saka’s output dips.

It is important to distinguish between opinion and official club updates. O’Leary’s remarks reflect his assessment and are not an Arsenal statement. Selection and workload decisions remain in the hands of the club’s coaching staff and medical team, with any official comments expected from Arsenal.

What this means for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal

From a tactical perspective, persistent inconsistency from Saka could push Arteta to rotate the squad to protect players’ fitness, adjust roles to reduce personal burden, or experiment with other attacking options such as Madueke on the right. Each approach carries trade-offs: frequent rotation can disrupt rhythm, while integrating a younger alternative requires time for team chemistry to develop.

For supporters, O’Leary’s observations are a prompt rather than a verdict. Saka’s track record suggests he can rediscover form quickly, but the timing is crucial as Arsenal navigate a demanding season. How Arteta responds in the coming weeks—whether by resting Saka, altering his role, or publicly backing him—will shape the immediate narrative around the winger’s form.

What happens next

Arsenal will continue to monitor Saka’s minutes and performance, balancing workload with training and opposition analysis. Look for further team news from the club and any official comments after upcoming fixtures. If Saka resumes his previous attacking intensity, the concerns may ease; if inconsistency persists, Arsenal could lean on rotation or alternative options on the right flank.

Source: Original report

Related: More Bukayo Saka form coverage