He started off fluffing his lines again but recently he’d been having these games of subpar execution (by his standards) before being the one to get the crucial goal or assist. Today that moment didn’t come for him and the fuck ups just continued throughout the game. One of the most frustrating games we’ve seen from him. Can totally understand why he hasn’t been subbed off yet though because of that ability to provide one decisive moment at any time.
Long term we have to reduce our huge reliance on him and that’s a tough ask but if Villa and West Ham are able to get Diaby and Kudus we should look to invest in similar ilk for our squad depth. These types are never on Saka’s level but we clearly have no plans for Nelson, ESR etc.
I think for Saka the dilemma is how do I continue to be threatening against sides that double/triple up on me. It’s a different scenario for him since last season.
He’s also a lot stronger and seems more build than usual, so as much as he is pragmatic in his approach, he has also lost that initial burst we saw during his early Europa League games under Emery.
Despite that, he put in two good passes in the box but Kai and Martinelli were caught napping.
The thing is, our approach is becoming far too predictable. Every attack starts or ignites from Saka.
Opposition have found the easiest route which is to double/triple on him. The coaches and Saka still haven’t found a solid solution to counter this.
Also to be fair, Saka’s output is still good, couple of passes out in the box last match and Kai/Martinelli were caught napping + even a few today and hit the post.
