Arsenal and the nightmare without Bukayo Saka: From title contender to ninth-place team.
Statistics show that Arsenal only averaged 1.5 points per game when Saka was absent, a figure equivalent to a team ranked 9th rather than their usual top position.
Arsenal fans are witnessing a surprising mini-crisis. After a period of success with only 3 defeats in the first 49 games of the season, Mikel Arteta's side have unexpectedly lost 4 of their last 6 matches. This decline is not just due to tactical or psychological issues, but seems to revolve around one specific name:Bukayo Saka.
A terrible drop in scores.
Since the Carabao Cup final, the 2001-born star has missed five consecutive Arsenal matches. The statistics immediately reveal the Gunners' dependence on the English winger. In this season's Premier League, when Saka has been in the starting lineup, Arsenal have averaged...2.4 points per gameWith this performance, they are perfectly capable of finishing the season with 91 points and competing for the championship.
However, the picture turned bleak when the striker was absent. The points tally of the Emirates Stadium team dropped to just...1.5 points per matchIf this rate of performance continues throughout the season, Arsenal will only have around 57 points, equivalent to the position of a team ranked 9th in the league table. This is a collapse in terms of quality that even the most pessimistic experts would find hard to imagine.
The system is paralyzed without the "trigger" on the right wing.
Since the start of the 2024/25 season, Arsenal have only suffered 17 defeats in all competitions. Remarkably, 9 of those (over 50%) occurred in the 34 matches in which Saka was absent. This means the team's losing rate skyrockets whenever their number 7 is unavailable.
Although Saka's goalscoring form has somewhat declined (9 goals, 7 assists) compared to previous seasons, his tactical role is irreplaceable. Backup options like Noni Madueke have failed to create the same impact. Saka is not just a goalscorer or assist provider; he is also the most important link in the attacking build-up on the right wing. Without him, Arsenal struggle to move the ball forward and lack the unpredictability to break down deep defensive blocks.
Bukayo Saka's availability for the upcoming match against Newcastle is seen as a lifeline for manager Mikel Arteta. His presence is expected to help Arsenal rediscover their identity and performance needed in the crucial final stages of the season.
