Mikel Arteta has defended Bukayo Saka, saying he “fully trusts and loves” the winger after he was substituted in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw away to Bayer Leverkusen.
The 24-year-old was the first player withdrawn at the BayArena when he was replaced by Noni Madueke on 60 minutes after a subpar performance — a decision that proved correct from Arteta as Madueke won the late penalty that rescued a draw for his side.
Saka has had scrutiny over his attacking output throughout the 2025-26 season, having hit double figures for goals and assists in each of his last three full campaigns.
This year, he has six goals (joint 30th) and three assists (joint 41st) in the Premier League, but ranks fifth in the division for expected assists (5.67), fifth for chances created including assists (50) and second for chances created from open play (43), via Opta.
Asked at Friday’s news conference how he manages this situation, where Saka’s underlying numbers are better than his output, Arteta said: “With B, fully trust him and love him.
“What he’s doing for this club is just incredible at his age. He’s continued to have a massive impact for us.
“He can have an individual performance that is not a reflection of his level, like every human and player in the world, but when you look at his strength and the impact he has on the team, it’s just incredible.”
At the end of February, he was also the only Premier League player this season to complete 40 or more take-ons and create 40 or more chances (46 for both).
Having made his Arsenal debut aged 17 in 2018, Saka has now made 302 appearances for the club. That sees him rank 42nd among all Arsenal players, and with a potential 12-19 games left this season, depending on their success in cup competitions, he could break into the club’s top 40 appearance makers this spring.
Arteta and Saka will hope that his goal and assist numbers increase as the season reaches its climax, but if he continues to struggle, there will be players ready to step up. Madueke also scored on his last start against Mansfield Town, while most of Max Dowman’s first-team minutes have come off the right wing.
Arsenal’s next match is Everton at home on Saturday, March 14. Arteta added that Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard may be able to make their injury returns at the Emirates Stadium.
They then play the return leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie with Leverkusen before the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City on Sunday, March 22.