Arsenal legend makes bizarre Bukayo Saka claim

Watch out, Robert Pires, the Arsenal fanbase have their pitchforks out!

However, the modern Gunners icon has brought any incoming slander entirely upon himself with a truly bizarre claim regarding current starboy Bukayo Saka.

Pires, a two-time Premier League winner, a former FWA Footballer of the Year, and three times named in the PFA Team of the Year, should know a thing or two about wing play. While differing in profile from the majority of stars that dazzle down the flanks today, Pires was a bonafide superstar during his pomp and an Arsenal all-time great.

This take, though, is wild.

Robert Pires bemoans Bukayo Saka's lack of consistency - claims Jeremy Doku is better

Speaking to Wettbasis.com (via GiveMeSport), Pires bemoaned Saka's consistency and experience at the highest level: “Bukayo still lacks a certain level of consistency and experience, especially in the big games.

"Perhaps this season, especially in the Champions League, he will show a more convincing face than last season when it counts," he added.

He's talking about a player in Saka, who, at 23, has 86 Premier League goal contributions - just 17 less than Pires. The Englishman is coming off his most productive senior season as he netted 16 times in the league last season. Saka also scored or assisted against Tottenham (twice), Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool. Oh, and in the Champions League, the winger recorded eight goal contributions and was on the scoresheet during Arsenal's quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich.

Saka steps up in the big moments, there's no doubt about that. Consistency has generally only been an issue during the backend of the season at the start of his senior career. His workload has previously caught up with him, and his output has typically dropped during the final weeks of the season.

So, while you could at least make an argument to support Pires' initial claim, there's little evidence to back up what he says next...

“For example, in my opinion, Jeremy Doku from Manchester City is a bit better because he is technically stronger, has better dribbling skills and is more imaginative.”

Come on, Robert. Doku's an entertainer and as explosive as they come, but better than Bukayo Saka? No chance. During his debut Premier League season, the Belgian 11 goal contributions - 14 fewer than Saka.

Doku offered inconsistent promise in year one and may well evolve into a game-breaking wide player, but Saka, despite Pires' claims, has developed an inevitability in regard to output. He doesn't need to take games over because his impact can be felt with 'moments', and that's been on display at the start of the 2024/25 season.

You're horribly wrong here, but we still love ya, Rob (mind you, there were sections of the fanbase that wanted to wash their hands with Ian Wright for merely suggesting Saka could play at left-back to solve a distinct problem...)

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