Chris Sutton says something at Arsenal is 'absolutely astonishing' amid Bukayo Saka verdict
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(Credit: Imago)
Ciaran Morrison
Tue 16 September 2025 21:30, UK
Bukayo Saka’s importance at Arsenal may be reducing after Mikel Arteta addressed one problem at the club.
Arsenal defeated Nottingham Forest 3-0 to continue their good start to the season, which has only been hindered by defeat at Liverpool.
Saka’s hamstring injury means the 24-year-old is currently on the sidelines and didn’t participate in Arsenal’s opening Champions League win over Athletic Bilbao.
Mikel Arteta’s side reached the semi-final stage last season before PSG knocked Arsenal out of the competition.
Bukayo Saka will not feature in the Champions League against Athletic Bilbao.
(Credit Imago)
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton doesn’t believe Arteta will be as concerned with Saka missing matches as much as he would have been last season.
Saka missed three months of the campaign last season, which proved to be one downfall in Arsenal‘s hopes of major silverware.
Noni Madueke has dazzled in Saka’s absence and Sutton is impressed with Arteta’s strength in depth, as per BBC Radio 5 Live, [16 September].
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“It’s absolutely astonishing their strength in depth,” Sutton claimed.
“Saka, Martinelli, Trossard, Nwaneri.
If we went back to last season with Saka’s contribution and if Saka was out for a long spell we’d all be saying blimey they’ll be in a bit of bother.
Now you’re thinking well, alright they’ll still miss him but they’re not going to miss him that much with the depth they have and Madueke playing like he is.”
Madueke impressed on England duty during the international break, also in Saka’s position on the right flank as the pair compete too for a place in the England squad.
Credit: Imago
Following their summer of transfer activity, former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given has been left amazed at Madueke’s season so far.
“He was absolutely brilliant, the confidence of course scoring for his country as well, I think that would have given him a huge boost and you know not that long ago I think there was some crazy petition wasn’t there,” Given said.
“The Arsenal fans it was just madness and I’m actually surprised that Chelsea let him go.“
However, amid the options Arteta now has at his disposal, Given believes the Spaniard needs to win a trophy at the end of the season.
“I think he’s got pressure as well Arteta this season you know he’s spent a lot of money,” Given said.
“It’s great having all these players and we’re reeling them off and they’re fantastic players but they have to produce something at the end of the season.”
Arteta’s only major piece of silverware at Arsenal has been the 2020 FA Cup and he has the ambition to bring the Premier League and Champions League to Emirates Stadium.