- Former Chelsea striker Carlton Cole has labelled Bukayo Saka a “passenger” for Arsenal amid a recent dip in Premier League form.
- Cole argues that manager Mikel Arteta is giving Saka too much leeway despite the winger failing to score in his last three Premier League matches.
- Saka began the season in strong form, netting three goals in his opening fixtures before his scoring run dried up.
Carlton Cole Fires Criticism at Bukayo Saka Over Recent Goalscoring Drought
Former Chelsea striker Carlton Cole has launched a pointed critique at Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, declaring that the England international is currently operating as a “passenger” for the Gunners and is being afforded too much protection by head coach Mikel Arteta. The comments represent one of the more striking public assessments of Saka’s recent performances and are likely to fuel debate among Arsenal supporters and pundits alike.
Saka’s Form Dips After Bright Start to the Season
Bukayo Saka had shown considerable promise at the start of the current campaign, finding the net three times across his opening Premier League matches and appearing to build on the consistent high-level performances that have made him one of the most coveted wide forwards in English football. However, that momentum has stalled, with Saka now having gone three consecutive Premier League games without scoring — a run that has prompted scrutiny of both his individual output and the degree to which Arteta’s system and man-management approach shields him from external pressure.
Carlton Cole’s assertion that Saka is a “passenger” is a significant charge given the winger’s status as a cornerstone of Arsenal’s attack and a central figure in Mikel Arteta’s tactical setup at the Emirates Stadium. Cole’s additional claim that Arteta extends too much leeway to Saka suggests a belief that the Arsenal manager’s loyalty to his star player may be preventing the kind of accountability that would sharpen Saka’s performance levels during quieter spells.
Why This Matters
Bukayo Saka is widely regarded as one of Arsenal’s most important players in their ongoing bid to mount a sustained Premier League title challenge. Any prolonged dip in form from the 23-year-old could have significant consequences for the Gunners’ attacking output, particularly given the expectations that have built around the club following successive near-misses in recent seasons. The debate Cole has ignited also touches on a broader question in elite football management: how much latitude should coaches extend to key players during lean patches, and at what point does loyalty risk undermining collective standards? For Mikel Arteta, who has built a culture of high accountability at Arsenal, the criticism will be one he is likely to address through results on the pitch rather than words in a press conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Carlton Cole say about Bukayo Saka?
Carlton Cole claimed that Bukayo Saka is currently a “passenger” for Arsenal and that manager Mikel Arteta gives the winger too much leeway despite a recent dip in his Premier League scoring form.
How many goals has Bukayo Saka scored this season?
Bukayo Saka scored three goals in his opening Premier League matches of the season but has failed to find the net in his last three league appearances.
Has Mikel Arteta responded to the criticism of Saka?
Based on currently available information from the source, no public response from Mikel Arteta regarding Carlton Cole’s comments has been reported.
