Arteta says Saka’s recent ‘form is probably the highest it has been’ since the Spaniard became Arsenal boss

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has said Saka’s recent form is the best it has been since the Spaniard took over the reins at the North London club. 

This season, the 19-year-old has scored six goals and provided five assists in 29 appearances across all competitions. He has scored four four goals and provided two assists in his last nine Premier League starts. This is evidence of the fact that a lot of his goal contributions have come in the last two months. 

The Englishman has cemented his place in the Arsenal first team and made the right wing spot his own. He has been one of the club’s chief attacking threats in recent weeks and is as much of a goalscorer as he is a creator of goalscoring opportunities.

His work rate is impressive and his time playing at left back has given him the positional awareness to be as effective off the ball as he is with the ball at his feet.

He scored the Gunners’ equaliser in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 32 clash with Benfica at the Stadio Olimpico. The game ended 1-1 and Saka’s goal will be crucial for the North London side as it is an away goal.

Speaking about Saka becoming more important, Arteta said:

“I think he’s in a great moment, he’s full of confidence. He’s been really important in recent results. His form is probably the highest that it’s been since I’ve been here and he’s been really consistent. He needs to keep going and (we need to) be wise with him because at the moment he’s a big part of the team.”

On finding a balance for Saka given his importance at such a young age, he said:

“I think we have to protect him and keep the extractions where they should be, but I’m not going to put a brake on his development or how much he can do week in, week out. We have to support him and give him the best possible advice all the time, and then manage his minutes so he can maintain this level.”

On the difficulty of managing Saka’s minutes, he said:

“It is (difficult) at the moment because he’s been a real threat. He’s involved in a lot of goals all the time and his consistent performances make him a starter obviously. So it’s a fine balance, but at the same time he’s 19 years old and we have to protect him.”