Mikel Arteta faces Bukayo Saka problem that Arsenal icon warned about

Arsenal icon Gilberto Silva has shared his worries about Bukayo Saka after the club's defeat to Porto in the Champions League. The Gunners failed to register a shot on target during a match for the first time in two years.

It was a strange game at the Estadio Dragao, as Arsenal were moments away from earning a creditable draw in the away leg of their tie, despite their bluntness in front of goal. Saka was part of a front three alongside Leandro Traossard and Gabriel Martinelli that failed to trouble goalkeeper Diego Costa on Aresnal's return to the knockout stages for the first time since 2017.

Given that the Gunners averaged more than four goals per game across their previous five matches, some fans may simply view it as an off-day, with the pressure of a Champions League tie impacting the composure of Arteta's side. However, Gilberto has warned that there could be a wider issue with Saka's performances.

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The Gunners have heavily relied on the 22-year-old to be a virtual ever-present, but the England forward has produced 15 goals and 13 assists in 33 appearances. Before the game at Estadio Dragao, though, Gilberto admitted that he thought Saka had looked tired due to the number of matches he had been asked to play.

«Saka is the star, although he looks a bit worn out to me. He and Martinelli are very important up front,» Gilberto told O Jogo.

This echoes a similar sentiment shared by fellow Arsenal legend Ian Wright last season. The pundit thought that a short spell out of the team in May would help Saka recharge and ultimately benefit the