The Bukayo Saka stat that proves he is Arsenal’s biggest weapon

If Arsenal are going to land trophies in the coming weeks and months, they'll need their key players to really come to the fore. Well, Bukayo Saka did just that last Wednesday, scoring the only goal against Brighton, his long-range shot deflecting through Bart Verbruggen's legs via Carlos Baleba.

This takes the Englishman's tally to nine goals for the season, which many believe is pretty underwhelming given the high standards he has set himself. Well, extrapolating out over a longer period, Saka is very much one of the very best players the Premier League has to offer:

Players with most Premier League goals & assists (2022/23-present)

Of every player to have made at least one Premier League appearance across each of the last four seasons, only ten have accumulated more than 60 goals and assists. Saka sits fourth on this ranking, behind only Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah and Ollie Watkins. In fact, Salah and Saka are the only players to have racked up both 40 or more goals and assists during this elongated time-frame.

Of course, Saka's numbers are down this season. The 24 year old's highest Premier League tally came in 2023/24, racking up 16 goals and 12 assists. Well, he is unlikely the match those tallies, he will still be a key contributor for Arteta's team. The England international has opened the scoring at Molineux and in Sussex recently, as well as netting twice during the Champions League league phase.

Well, with big games coming up, they'll need Saka to be at his brilliant best.

Arsenal's upcoming fixtures

• Wednesday 11 March. Bayer Leverkusen (A). Champions League last 16. Kick off 5:45pm.

• Saturday 14 March. Everton (H). Premier League. Kick off 5:30pm.

• Tuesday 17 March. Bayer Leverkusen (H). Champions League last 16. Kick off 8pm.

• Sunday 22 March. Manchester City (N). EFL Cup Final, Kick off 4:30pm.

• 4/5 April. FA Cup quarter-final. Opponent TBC.

• 7/8 April. Potential Champions League quarter-final first leg (A). Opponent TBC.

• Saturday 11 April. Bournemouth (H). Premier League. Kick off 12:30 or 8pm.

• 14/15 April. Potential Champions League quarter-final second leg (H). Opponent TBC.

• Sunday 19 April. Manchester City (A). Premier League. Kick off 4:30pm.

In the next 40 days, Arsenal could still be in with a shout of a possible quadruple, or on track for a heartbreaking trophyless campaign. They will meet Manchester City twice, first in the EFL Cup Final and then in a possible Premier League title decider at the Etihad next month.

Throw into the mix an FA Cup quarter-final and two rounds of the Champions League, it is a hectic period for Arteta and his players, with an international window sandwiched in-between for good measure. Thus, Gooners everywhere will be praying that Saka can perform at his best, as he continues to be the team's most potent