Bukayo Saka already has four goal contributions this season but stats show the Arsenal winger is hugely underperforming in front of goal.
Arsenal head into the international break on the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw with Brighton at The Emirates.
Declan Rice was controversially sent off against Brighton and Joao Pedro drew the visitors level to make the Gunners drop their first points of the season.
Mikel Arteta’s side still had chances to win the match despite going down to 10 men, but they were unable to convert their chances.
Arsenal had been in the market for a new striker this summer but Arteta put his faith in his front line to fire them to the Premier League title.
However, stats from the Premier League suggest Bukayo Saka will have to improve after a wasteful start to the campaign.
Bukayo Saka poor in front of goal for Arsenal
Saka scored in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Wolves on the opening weekend of the Premier League, and the England international has also registered three assists – one in each match so far.
But according to the Premier League, only one player has missed more big chances than Saka this season.
The 22-year-old has missed three big chances already this season. Only Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has a worse record in front of goal with four big chances missed.
Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood is the only other player to have missed three big chances this season.
If Arsenal plan on pipping Manchester City to the league title, they will need clinical forwards and Saka will have to improve – especially with Erling Haaland scoring for fun for the reigning champions.
For context, Saka missed 11 big chances last season on his route to scoring 16 goals in 2023-24.
Arsenal may regret striker decision
Despite showing interest in a number of striker targets this summer, including Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal have put their faith in Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus to lead the line.
Raheem Sterling arrived on deadline day to bolster Arsenal’s attack, but there is still a concern over the amount of goals in Arteta’s side – and whether it is enough to fire them to the title.
Havertz missed a big chance to give Arsenal a late lead against Brighton and Saka’s stats suggest he is also being wasteful in front of goal.
If a lack of goals ends up costing the North London side the title, Arsenal will look back regretfully on their decision to not sign a new centre-forward.
