Bukayo Saka of Arsenal was substituted in the first half of the Champions League match against RC Lens on October 03, 2023. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LENS, France -- Lens brought Arsenal's reliance on Bukayo Saka into sharper focus on Tuesday. The Gunners were beaten 2-1 at Stade Bollaert-Delelis and the fault lines in their display can broadly be drawn by Saka's involvement, creating the opening goal for Gabriel Jesus before being forced off injured in the 34th minute shortly after Lens had equalised.
They never looked the same consistent threat without him, which is probably why Mikel Arteta risked starting the 22-year-old in France, and after Elye Wahi swept home Lens' second goal on 69 minutes, Arsenal rallied but without the ingenuity or quality the England international so often delivers.
Saka has developed into one of the finest wingers in Europe. It was excellent business from Arsenal to tie him down to a new four-year contract in May and if anything he has improved since, becoming the first player in Europe's top five leagues to register five goals and five assists in all competitions this season.
Saka has embraced the responsibility handed to him. Sources have told ESPN that he felt fit and well in training ahead of this Champions League Group B clash despite limping off for the second game in a row at Bournemouth on Saturday. He was also taken off against Tottenham a week earlier after receiving a kick to the foot and at Bournemouth, a stamp on his foot prematurely ended his participation.
Arteta cannot be accused of complacency, but there have to be questions asked about starting Saka here given his recent fitness issues and the biggest game of the season ahead this weekend when Arsenal host Premier League champions Manchester City.
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