Saka scoring for fun as Arsenal continue title charge

Despite their slip-up against Porto in midweek, Arsenal are in fine form with Bukayo Saka in particular taking his game to another level.

No player has scored more Premier League goals than the England winger (six) in 2024 and his strikes have ensured the Gunners remain in contention for the title.

As Mikel Arteta's men prepare to host Newcastle, we take a closer look at Saka's dazzling top-flight displays.

Leading the way

Only Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has matched Saka's return of six Premier League goals in 2024.

The Gunners' No7 also registered an assist against Crystal Palace last month, making it an eye-catching haul of seven contributions in his last five appearances.

Going into this weekend, Saka sits joint-fourth in the Premier League Golden Boot race with 12 goals.

He is joint-third in the division for big chances created (12) and — as evidence of his equally important role off the ball — also ranks second for possessions won in the attacking third (28).

The 22-year-old's tactical intelligence and discipline has allowed him to thrive in Arteta's team, with the goals now beginning to flow at a consistent rate.

After netting braces in big wins over both West Ham and Burnley, Saka will lock horns with Newcastle possessing an ominous level of confidence.

Better by the day

Saka's form in the final third is not a surprise for head coach Arteta.

The London native is on course for his best-ever campaign in terms of goals, currently sitting on 14 across all competitions.

After the 5-0 win at Burnley, Arteta praised the winger's development under his tutelage.

He said: "We tried with our players to make them unpredictable and I'm sure the opponents are looking at us a lot, and we have to find ways to create them problems. 

"He [Saka] has got this ability and he trains a lot in many different situations in and around the box, and today he had two brilliant finishes again.

"We already see him [as a senior player]. Wingers with a level of consistency and numbers at his age is something really strange to find, but it's not a coincidence, that's for sure. 

"When you look at him every single day, the way he trains, the way he applies himself, the qualities that he has, and he can do more."

Arsenal's talisman

There is no question that Saka's form will be integral in Arsenal's title challenge.

With the absence of a prolific No9, the 32-cap international has become his team's main man in attack.

The likes of Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli are all potential match-winners and have chipped in with goals this season.

But while the Gunners have been rampant in recent weeks, their goal return of 21 since the turn of the year is from an xG of just 13.86 — which may not be sustainable long term.

Keeping Saka fit and at his clinical best is likely to be vital as Arsenal look to overcome Pep Guardiola's inexorable Manchester City and Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.