Arsenal legend David O’Leary says Bukayo Saka is “not the player he was,” and argues the forward “goes down too easily.” Speaking on talkSPORT, O’Leary adds that while Saka remains a “top player,” his current impact does not match the level expected of a new high-value contract. He links his concerns to Saka’s perceived changes in style and decision-making, including challenges forgoing contact rather than staying on his feet.
The comments arrive as Saka has started the 2026/27 Premier League season strongly, scoring three goals in six appearances for Arsenal. He has been with the club since joining the academy at seven and made his first-team debut in 2018, later helping deliver Arsenal’s long-awaited league title. The reports note that Arsenal had a 3-0 defeat to Brighton before the international break, then responded with a comeback win over Leeds.
While O’Leary frames his critique as form-related and points to other players’ performances, the pieces also include context from Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta, who emphasizes restoring the team’s identity after the Brighton match.
