Unai Emery’s men suffered a humiliating 2-1 home loss to the German side on Thursday in match day 5 of the Europa League with Bukayo Saka posting a decent first half display and an indifferent second half performance.
The young Nigerian winger has elicited mixed reviews from analysts and fans following the Gunners disappointing 2-1 defeat at Emirates Stadium which is sure to pile more pressure on under-fire boss Unai Emery.
Bukayo Saka enjoyed a sparkling start to the encounter, combining well with fellow youngsters Willock and Martinelli as they supported captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang upfront.
However, after Aubameyang’s first half opener, Arsenal and Saka fell apart as the German outfit re-emerged after the interval with a renewed purpose – a Daichi Kamada brace turning the game in favour of the visitors.
While the England youth international, who is still eligible to play for the Super Eagles, received commendations for a fine first half performance, he got knocks for his part in the Arsenal team that crumbled after the break.
inews.co.uk gave Saka a rating of 6 out of 10.
“Bukayo Saka 6/10.”
“Some lovely trickery and a peach of a delivery in the early minutes. Bought some clever fouls too.
“Some sloppy range passing though, it must be said and his precision dwindled as the game went on. His will to show what he could do was admirable, but he needed to combine it with some accuracy.”
For Daily Express, it was a 5/10 rating.
“Set up Aubameyang for a great chance in the opening 10 minutes and forced Ronnow into an excellent save midway through the first half.
“Missed his kick for the opener but didn’t look after the ball well enough in the second period and was guilty of making poor decisions on several occasions.”
The Mirror’s verdict was a 6.
“Bukayo Saka – 6 – Used his pace to get in behind but saw a decent chance saved when he tried to lift one over the on rushing keeper in the first half.”
Fans also took to social media site, Twitter, to give Bukayo Saka their verdict.
Aubameyang's 10th goal of the season. Nice work by Saka and Martinelli in the build-up.
Arsenal have actually out-shot their opponents so far, which feels like a step forward even if Frankfurt have been useless.
— Sam Dean (@SamJDean) November 28, 2019
Half Time thoughts?
– luiz looked decent at dm
– Mustafi really has been solid for us this season, you have to admit
-Auba looked off the pace, but then did what he was born to do.
– willock and Saka are going to be very good
– glad Xhaka wasn't booed, let’s move on— Amy Wambsgans (@amyampaire) November 28, 2019
https://www.twitter.com/WorldwideAFC/status/1200154310824407044
Madness taking off Martinelli and leaving Saka on.
— SantoCazorla (@Custom1Super) November 28, 2019
This is crazy. Why are we overloading and what has Saka done all game???
Pfffff.
— Musical Critic (@MusicalCritic) November 28, 2019