Former Arsenal forward criticises Bukayo Saka after Everton draw

Former Arsenal forward criticises Bukayo Saka after Everton draw

Theo Walcott has slammed Bukayo Saka after Arsenal’s draw against Everton

Theo Walcott has criticized Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka for failing to overcome his duel against Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye during Saturday’s 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium. The result proved frustrating for Arsenal, who squandered another chance to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool. With the Gunners having drawn their previous match against Fulham, their title ambitions took another hit against a determined Everton side.

Walcott, speaking in his role as a pundit on *Match of the Day*, drew attention to Ndiaye’s impressive defensive work. According to the former Arsenal forward, Ndiaye relentlessly tracked Saka throughout the game, ensuring the winger had minimal impact. Walcott explained that Saka appeared fatigued after half an hour of the match, largely due to Ndiaye’s intense pressing and positioning. The ex-England international remarked that Saka struggled to create space, making Everton’s defensive job more straightforward.

Everton’s collective defensive organization stood out, with Ndiaye’s efforts backed up by teammates at every stage. Walcott praised the team’s structure and their commitment to protecting the goal. He noted Jordan Pickford’s post-match comments about Everton’s hard work and unity, emphasizing how the players doubled up on Arsenal’s attackers. Everton’s central defenders, led by James Tarkowski, consistently thwarted Arsenal’s attempts to break through.

Walcott also pointed out Everton’s effective teamwork across the pitch. If Ndiaye could not halt Saka, other midfielders like Abdoulaye Doucoure or Idrissa Gueye stepped in seamlessly. This collective effort limited Arsenal to hopeful crosses, while Pickford delivered key saves when called upon.

Moreover, Walcott highlighted contributions from Everton’s wide players, including Jesper Lindstrøm, Jack Harrison, and Ashley Young. Their defensive support helped nullify Arsenal’s attacking threat. Despite enjoying possession, Arsenal struggled to carve out clear-cut chances from open play, a recurring issue for Mikel Arteta’s side this season.

Ultimately, the draw deepens Arsenal’s struggles in the title race. Meanwhile, Everton’s resilience continues to boost their survival hopes, as they aim to climb the league table. Walcott’s analysis serves as a stark reminder of Arsenal’s attacking shortcomings.

More news:

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta continues to face questions over his decision to part ways with Emiliano Martinez. Since leaving the Emirates in 2020, Martinez has emerged as one of the Premier League’s standout goalkeepers. His performances for Aston Villa and Argentina have been nothing short of exceptional. However, Arteta’s critics believe Arsenal missed an opportunity to retain a future star.

Under Arteta’s leadership, Arsenal have largely progressed, with an FA Cup triumph in his debut season highlighting his impact. Furthermore, he has transformed the Gunners into title challengers, a feat many credit to his meticulous approach and clear footballing philosophy. Yet, certain decisions, like selling Martinez, continue to divide opinion.

Martinez spent nearly ten years at Arsenal but played only 38 matches, often finding himself loaned out to various clubs. His breakthrough came in 2020 when he deputized for the injured Bernd Leno. During that period, he proved instrumental in Arsenal’s FA Cup victory. Despite his impressive performances, Arteta sanctioned his £20 million transfer to Aston Villa.

A passionate football and cricket journalist

Related Posts

Arsenal have held concrete talks to sign Bayern Munich star for free this summer

Arsenal actively pursue Bayern Munich’s star winger Leroy Sane, intensifying their efforts as his contract nears its end. Reports indicate that the Gunners initiate concrete discussions with the 29-year-old German…

Read more
REPORTS: Joan Garcia set to join Arsenal

Reports in Spain say that La Liga player set to join Arsenal in the summer

Arsenal eagerly approach the summer transfer window with a bustling agenda ahead. Undoubtedly, the team faces another disappointing finish in the Premier League title chase, marking their third consecutive year…

Read more

Liverpool and Manchester City start talks to sign £50.1m player; Arsenal also interested

The competition for Hugo Larsson’s signature intensifies as the summer transfer window approaches. Insiders reveal that Frankfurt anticipates a flurry of bids for their 20-year-old talent, setting his price tag…

Read more
Arsenal show interest in signing Evan Ndicka to bolster their defensive options ahead of the summer transfer window.

Arsenal interested in €40m [£33.4m] Ivorian defender

Arsenal news: Evan Ndicka, the talented 25-year-old centre-back, attracts significant attention from Premier League teams as the summer transfer window approaches. Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest actively monitor the…

Read more

Arsenal have to pay £40 million to sign Dutch defensive prodigy

Jorrel Hato, a rising star from Ajax, attracts a bustling transfer market as the summer window approaches. Top clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Real Madrid actively pursue the…

Read more
Arsenal have the chance to sign Mohamed Kudus for £85 million as they look to strengthen their attacking options this summer.

Arsenal Can Get Their Desired Striker For £85m

Arsenal news: West Ham United actively gears up to offload their talented forward Mohammed Kudus this summer, setting his release clause at a hefty £85m. The club confidently positions itself…

Read more