Arsenal Legend Questions Saka's Form, Contract Value

Former Arsenal defender David O'Leary criticized winger Bukayo Saka's recent performance and playing style following the club's 2-1 Premier League victory over Leeds United on October 10. O'Leary, a record holder for Arsenal appearances, suggested Saka's output has declined since signing a £300,000-per-week contract extension in February 2026, making him one of the league's highest-paid players.

Saka's Output Under Scrutiny

Saka, 25, failed to register a goal or an assist against newly-promoted Leeds, extending a period of reduced offensive impact. O'Leary, speaking on talkSPORT, stated Saka is "not the player that he was" and questioned if his current form justifies his substantial new contract. The England international has recorded three goals across eight appearances in all competitions this season, a dip from previous campaigns.

Veteran Notes Shift in Approach

Beyond statistics, O'Leary specifically highlighted a perceived change in Saka's on-field approach. The club legend, who made 722 appearances for Arsenal and won two First Division titles, accused Saka of increasingly seeking fouls rather than directly challenging defenders. O'Leary observed that Saka now "goes down too much," contrasting this with the more direct and assertive style he exhibited earlier in his career.

Comparative Performance and Team Dynamics

O'Leary drew a comparison between Saka's struggles and the strong performances of his teammates, citing Declan Rice's dominant midfield display against Leeds. This contrast suggests that while the team progresses, individual players like Saka must maintain performance levels to match the squad's overall trajectory. The increased scrutiny on Saka comes with the heavy expectations tied to his new salary.

Implications for Arsenal's Season Trajectory

Saka's form could influence Arsenal's Premier League title aspirations and Champions League campaign. If his perceived tendency to seek fouls rather than drive play persists, it may reduce the team's attacking dynamism on the right flank. Arsenal relies on key attacking players to consistently deliver decisive moments, and a prolonged dip in form from a player of Saka's caliber could necessitate tactical adjustments from manager Mikel Arteta.

Wider Industry Impact on Player Valuation

Former Arsenal

The situation also highlights broader industry implications regarding player contracts and performance. High-value extensions, like Saka's £300,000-per-week deal, place immense pressure on players to maintain elite performance. A perceived drop in form post-contract can trigger public and media debate about player valuation, contract structures, and the psychological impact of such agreements on athletes across top-tier football leagues. Outlook: Performance Recovery or Tactical Shift The immediate outlook for Saka involves either a recovery of his previous direct playing style and offensive output or a potential tactical adjustment by Arsenal's coaching staff. If Saka regains his form, Arsenal's title challenge strengthens, reinforcing the value of long-term contracts for key players. Conversely, if his current trend continues, the club might explore alternative attacking strategies or player rotations, potentially impacting his role and the team's overall attacking effectiveness. The open question remains whether the perceived change in playing style is a temporary phase or a more permanent shift in his approach.