David OLeary Questions Bukayo Sakas Arsenal Form

Former Arsenal captain David OLeary has criticised Bukayo Saka after the winger struggled to influence a 2-1 Premier League win over Leeds United, saying the England international must rediscover his direct style to help Arsenal progress.

Saka has scored three goals in six appearances at the start of the 2026/27 season, according to Metro. He has also made more than 300 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 84 goals in all competitions.

OLeary made his comments on talkSPORTs Sunday Edition while assessing Sakas form following Arsenals comeback victory over Leeds. The former defender said the forward has not reached his previous level.

"I honestly dont think he is [in top form]," said David OLeary, former Arsenal captain.

OLeary explained that he believes Sakas approach in physical duels has changed compared with his earlier Arsenal career. He highlighted the wingers tendency to go down under pressure as an area needing improvement.

"I really like the guy. But I do think one thing, seeing him grow up and get into the team before everyone knew how good he was, I think he goes down too much now. I think hes looking for that touch to go down and the player I saw before that was much more positive, he was not going to let the full-back put him on the deck, or anybody else," said David OLeary, former Arsenal captain.

The former Arsenal player also questioned whether Saka is currently matching the expectations attached to his new contract. The winger signed a new deal in February that was reported by the source to be worth £300,000 a week.

"Hes not the player that he was, without a doubt. Hes still a top player, but is he the player that got this fantastic new contract at Arsenal to make him one of the top-paid players in the country? I dont think so at the moment.

I dont know whats happened. But when I look at the team and how its progressing, whose playing well and how great Declan Rice was yesterday, I think Saka has to step up again," said David OLeary, former Arsenal captain.

Alan Shearer also offered advice on Sakas attacking movement after analysing the winger on Match of the Day. Shearer said Saka could increase his goal output by making more runs into central scoring areas.

"As brilliant a player as Saka is, he gets into this position so many times, if he was prepared to gamble and get across the defender and get to that six-yard line... but he does nothing there, nothing at all. He could get another four, five goals a season if he was prepared to do that more often," said Alan Shearer, former England striker.

Saka recorded no goal or assist against Leeds and had one shot in his first 66 minutes, while also failing to complete a dribble and losing possession 12 times, according to GiveMeSport. Arsenal next prepare for their Champions League clash against Lille.