Overview
- O'Leary told talkSPORT on Sunday that Saka "isn't the player that he was" and urged him to "step up" for Arsenal to become a more powerful team.
- Saka has scored three goals in eight appearances this season and has registered no assists while earning more than £15 million a year under a new February contract.
- Match reports from the 2-1 win over Leeds say Saka had two shots, one attempted dribble, no involvement in either goal and missed a late chance to make it 3-1.
- O'Leary criticised Saka for "going down too much," saying the winger now looks for contact instead of taking defenders on, and he highlighted squad changes such as Viktor Gyokeres losing a starting spot to Kai Havertz.
- The comments add to broader scrutiny of Arsenal's form after a 3-0 loss to Brighton and a mixed start to the title defence, and they raise questions about selection, Saka's role and whether he needs a rest to rediscover his best form.