Saka Red Flag Spotted in Champions League Draw

Former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson has raised concerns about Bukayo Saka‘s performance in the Gunners’ 1-1 Champions League draw with Bayer Leverkusen, highlighting the England star’s struggles in one-on-one situations before his 60th-minute substitution.

Arsenal came from behind in Germany after Robert Andrich’s first-half opener, with substitute Kai Havertz equalising from the penalty spot in the 89th minute to secure a crucial away draw in the round of 16 first leg.

Saka’s Struggles Highlighted

The Arsenal captain was withdrawn on the hour mark for Noni Madueke, with Upson noting the winger’s difficulties against Leverkusen’s defensive setup.

“Saka’s had no joy at all in those one v one situations and it’s mainly due to Palacios’ reading of the game. He looks mentally like he’s having a dip. He’s just not at the races, he sees three players in front of him and he’s trying to take them all on,”

Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live.

The substitution proved pivotal as Madueke won the penalty that led to Havertz’s equaliser, giving Arsenal a valuable draw to take back to the Emirates Stadium.

Mixed Reactions to Early Substitution

Karen Carney questioned the decision to remove Arsenal’s captain, suggesting fatigue or a knock might have influenced Saka’s below-par display.

“It doesn’t feel right. Whether he’s fatigued because he’s played so much football, but he wasn’t quite himself tonight. He wasn’t picking the right moments to take people on and he was a little bit sloppy in possession,”

the former England international said on TNT Sports.

However, Martin Keown backed Arteta’s tactical switch, praising the manager’s ability to recognise when changes were needed.

“The manager can recognise and see that [Saka is struggling] and on the hour he gets him off. He puts the player on who can do the job and that will happen between now and the end of the season,”

the former Arsenal defender explained.

The draw leaves the tie perfectly poised for next week’s second leg at the Emirates, where Arsenal will look to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals. Arteta will hope Saka can rediscover his best form for the crucial return fixture as the Gunners chase European glory.