Saka has had at least one direct goal involvement in every game he’s played for us this season except for the 1-0 win at Palace.

He’s had a total of 12 direct goal involvements which represents 52% of the goals Arsenal have scored in games featuring Saka and 57% of the goals Arsenal have scored while Saka was on the pitch (2 goals - against PSV and Bournemouth - were scored after Saka had been subbed off with Arsenal already leading 3-0).

The two games he didn’t play were both 1-0 wins (Brentford in the League Cup and Man City), so Saka has been directly involved in 48% of Arsenal’s total goals this season, including those scored in games he didn’t play.

Personally, I don’t think this is because of anything Saka is doing. He’s been playing very well, as usual, but the fact Arsenal are depending on him so heavily for goal contributions reflects the fact that our other attacking players have been much less dangerous than we would like.

What needs to be done to remove this burden from Saka and ensure we don’t become a one-man attacking team?

  • theshed44@alien.topB
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    What do you mean by “I don’t think this is because of anything Saka is doing” part? It all has to do with what Saka is doing. I also don’t understand it being a burden on Saka…it’s his job to be involved in attack to score/contribute to goals…players wish they were having the prime/career he was having.

    If you were to say you were worried about hit minutes that’s one thing. Every team is typically over reliant on their best player, especially if they are in attack. Do you think the invincibles were to reliant ok Henry?

    • Paddy-23@alien.topOPB
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      They probably were, but he was one of the greatest players of all time so it doesn’t matter. Like I’ve said to people trying to compare to Haaland: if Saka can score 30+ goals or make 40+ goal contributions this season then I won’t have any problem.

      Saka isn’t Henry.

      • theshed44@alien.topB
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        1 year ago

        Saka is our Haaland and Henry though. I’m saying teams have to rely on their best player. Especially when Martinelli and Jesus are injured, and the new midfield is taking time to gel (and teams are playing ode tighter). Not to mention we beat Man City while Saka was on the bench.