Anders Limpar urges patience with Bukayo Saka amid dip in form

Arsenal remain in control of the Premier League title race heading into the final stretch, moving five points clear at the top after a 2-1 win over Chelsea. Manchester City are still in the Gunners’ rear-view mirror, holding a game in hand.But while the Gunners’ set-piece threat and defensive structure have kept them moving forward, there has been a growing focus on Bukayo Saka’s form. By his own elite standards, the Englishman’s league output has been quieter in 2025/26, with five goals and three assists in 25 Premier League appearances. In Europe, he has continued to contribute, registering two goals and two assists in six Champions League outings.

We caught up with former Arsenal winger Anders Limpar to discuss Saka’s season and why Limpar believes the 24-year-old will finish the campaign strongly. He also commented on some glaring issues with the Gunners when it comes to seeing out results.

Give Saka a break

Saka’s end product has been questioned at times this season, but Limpar believes context matters — especially after a serious hamstring injury that required an operation.

“Saka has been one of the best players in the world for the past three or four years but then he gets a bad hamstring injury, has an operation and I know when you’re a quick player and your hamstring goes you get scared to sprint with full power and it’s not a good feeling. He’s not been good this year but he’s not been bad. Give him a break.”

“It’s one thing to pull or tear your hamstring but to have an operation when you’re a quick player must play on you mentally. He’s one of the best players in the world so give him a break.”

With the final run-in fast approaching, it’s worth having a look at what we consider to be the best betting sites in the UK with Arsenal’s games coming thick and fast.

“It’s his brain, not his pace”

The Swede doesn’t believe the injury has permanently reduced Saka’s athleticism, but says the psychological barrier can be just as significant for explosive wide players who rely on sprinting and 1v1 duels.

“I don’t think the injury has impacted his pace. It’s his brain. He may be scared to sprint at times and he’s a player who takes people on who is so good in one-v-ones. The worst feeling you can have when you’re a fast player is that fear in the back of your head that the hamstring might go again.”

He expects Saka to build rhythm and confidence as the stakes rise and Arsenal push for silverware.

“Slowly he’s getting better and he won't play if he’s not fit. But even if you’re fit the mental fear can hold players back. He will progress in March, April and May.”

Limpar says title pressure is showing

One recurring criticism of Arsenal this season has been game management after taking the lead — and Limpar believes the pressure of expectation can play a major role in those moments.

“When you’re 2-0 up against Wolverhampton you should score more goals or see the game out. They got slaughtered in the press for it. But we aren’t at the training ground everyday but I know the feeling of pressure they are feeling because I've been there. When the whole of England demands them to win this year. You can see the pressure they are feeling.”

The ex-Arsenal winger believes the pressure extends to Arteta, who is trying to strike a balance between control and ambition in high-stakes scenarios.

“Arteta is under pressure too because he wants to and needs to win so badly. It’s a human thing to become more defensive in those scenarios and then let two goals in. It’s normal. It’s the pressure.”

Despite the criticism, Limpar pointed to Arsenal’s ability to deliver in big matches as evidence that this team can handle the demands of a title run-in.

“But the strength of the Arsenal team was shown against Tottenham. To go into a London Derby when it’s boiling and to perform like that shows they can take care of the pressure. It’s hard to be a manager. You think you’re doing the right thing or you try to be clever and it doesn’t work out like it didn’t against Wolves. But against Tottenham Arteta showed he’s the best manager.”

Read more as Emile Heskey urges Liverpool to stick with Arne Slot as the club's manager