January 1st 2024.
Bukayo Saka has been a shining light for Arsenal this season, but his form has taken a dip in recent weeks. After a stunning year of progress, the Gunners came undone in the final weeks of 2023. They were top of the Premier League table at Christmas, but a defeat to West Ham was followed by another shock loss at Fulham on New Year's Eve.
This has put them in 4th and while they are still in the title race, they have lost the opportunity to build a lead on Manchester City, who are participating in the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia. Part of the blame for their downturn has been placed on Saka, with Arsenal overly reliant on the England winger's performance.
At Craven Cottage, Saka was far from his best despite scoring an early goal. This led to Mikel Arteta, who is never too far away from an angry tirade, to show his frustration with the winger. He was seen shouting and throwing his arms up at Saka during the second half. The Arsenal manager is often animated on the touchline, but it is rare for Saka to be the subject of his fury.
Football.london reported that Arteta was furious with Saka's loose passing, particularly when he attempted to cross the ball to Gabriel Martinelli but underhit it, allowing Fulham to break on the Gunners. It remains to be seen whether Saka can return to form and help Arsenal challenge for the Premier League title.
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