Former Arsenal Winger Sets Bukayo Saka a Must-Hit England Target
Arsenal’s early-season momentum has put Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard back under the spotlight, with the champions preparing to visit Sunderland on Saturday after a perfect start across domestic and European competition.
Arsenal snapshot
| Item | Figure or date | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League start | Three wins | Maximum nine points as defending champions |
| Champions League | Opening match won | Arsenal began their European campaign with victory |
| Martin Odegaard | Four goals | Already ahead of his one-goal total from last season |
| Next fixture | Saturday evening | Sunderland v Arsenal at the Stadium of Light |
Saka has been a central figure in Arsenal’s rise since making his senior debut as a 17-year-old in November 2018. His development quickly earned him a permanent first-team place, while his international standing has also grown considerably: he now has 56 England appearances.
The winger’s scoring climbed steadily during his first five campaigns, culminating in 20 goals in all competitions in 2023-24. More recent seasons have been affected by injury problems, however, and he has not recorded 10 Premier League goals in either of the last two league campaigns.
That record has prompted former Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant to argue that a player regarded among the elite wide forwards must consistently produce stronger end product. Pennant said reaching double figures should be an essential standard for Saka if he is to be placed among the Premier League’s best wingers.
He pointed to Mohamed Salah’s sustained output, noting that the Liverpool forward produced more than 20 goal contributions in each of nine successive seasons. While acknowledging Saka’s ability to deliver outstanding displays, Pennant felt his statistical return does not yet compare favourably with leading wide players in England and elsewhere.
Saka remains an important part of an Arsenal side that won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final in 2026. The level of competition at right wing is also increasing, with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise among the players setting the benchmark in that role.
Odegaard’s response
Odegaard has faced scrutiny of his own after a quieter previous season, but Arsenal’s captain has made a strong start to 2026-27. The Norwegian has already scored four times after managing only one goal during the whole of last term.
Pennant believes the midfielder can be considered among the division’s finest in his position when operating at his highest level. He highlighted both Odegaard’s improved goals and contributions, and his influence as captain, saying the 27-year-old is leading by example.
He also recalled the period when Odegaard, Saka and Gabriel Martinelli formed a particularly productive attacking unit for Arsenal, suggesting the skipper’s current form is closer to that standard.
Arsenal have also lifted the Community Shield since beginning the season, although Mikel Arteta’s squad still have areas to sharpen. Saka and Odegaard will aim to maintain their encouraging starts when the Gunners travel to the Stadium of Light this weekend.
