Mikel Arteta accused of 'ruining' Arsenal player who needs 'dropping' despite Leeds United win

Arsenal fans have accused Mikel Arteta of 'ruining' Bukayo Saka during their comeback win against Leeds United.

The Gunners returned from the international break three points behind Premier League pacesetters Manchester City after losing 3-0 to Brighton & Hove Albion last time out.

But their hopes of going level on points with City before their clash against Liverpool on Sunday took a huge blow when James Justin opened the scoring just after half-time.

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Riccardo Calafiori then equalised moments later, and from there, Arteta's side were in the ascendancy, and Bruno Guimaraes was the hero once more, coming off the bench to score a winning goal for the second time this season.

Arsenal fans blast Bukayo Saka's performance vs Leeds United

Although Arsenal came from behind to secure a vital victory at the Emirates Stadium, it wasn't a vintage performance from the champions, who lacked quality in several areas across the pitch.

Bukayo Saka certainly slotted into that category, as he struggled to have a positive impact on the game after scoring twice for England during the international break.

Saka is normally influential down the right flank for Arteta, but on this occasion, the 25-year-old didn't complete a successful dribble and just made three progressive carries across 90 minutes.

Admittedly, the Hale End academy graduate was slightly improved in the second half and offered more of a threat on the counter-attack, but the first half was a display to forget for the winger.

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Reacting to his first 45 minutes on X, one supporter wrote: "This Saka performance is scary, bro. I’m actually worried for him. He can’t have regressed this much at 25; it’s unheard of."

"Saka used to be one of the best wingers in the world, but now he can barely dribble past a player. Someone needs to advise him to bar that hairstyle," another commented.

"I really mean this but, Saka has regressed ever since he got the first of his big new contracts two seasons ago," a third stated, suggesting that he hasn't kicked on since signing the first of his long-term deals in 2024.

Arteta even faced criticism from some supporters, who accused the Spaniard of 'ruining' him as a player after 'overusing' him for years.

"Saka has regressed so much, not the same player he once was. Arteta ruined and overused him; it’s telling on him now," a fifth posted, while another said: "Saka isn’t really the player we knew. It’s not even the Saka from last season. Arteta isn’t really good at managing players’ minutes. Until the player gets totally worn out is when he comes on his senses."

Saka's performance was summed up in the final minute of added time when he was sent clean through on goal by Viktor Gyokeres, but he lacked conviction in his strike, and James Trafford pulled off a smart save.

Arsenal host Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday night before travelling to Nottingham Forest next Sunday (October 18).