Bukayo Saka captained Arsenal in their 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan in the Champions League.
The Gunners started slowly but they got stronger and stronger as the first half went on. Mikel Arteta’s men were dominating the proceedings, but it was the hosts who took the lead.
Inter Milan won a controversial penalty and Hakan Calhanoglou made no mistake from the spot. That decided the game and Inter won 1-0.
The press in Italy have now had their say on several Arsenal players, including Saka.
Italy’s media deliver verdict on Bukayo Saka after Inter Milan beat Arsenal
Saka was once again Arsenal’s main man.
The Englishman started in his usual right-wing role against Inter Milan, and he got on the ball regularly. He was almost always doubled up on but still managed to create a few dangerous situations.
Sadly, that wasn’t enough for Arsenal to come away with anything from the game, and we’re sure Saka will be disappointed about the result.
The Gunners number seven should be fairly pleased with his own display, but some Italian media outlets have had a bit of a go at home after watching him at the San Siro.
However, others have given him the recognition he deserves.
Eurosport in Italy gave Saka a 5.5/10 rating and wrote: “He tries over and over again to take his team by the hand. He’s definitely the liveliest, and his flashes are interesting but never turn into anything concrete.”
TMW gave him a 5/10 rating and said: “A couple of shots on the right, but it’s certainly not one of his best nights. Even worse during the second half.”
Sport Mediaset were a bit more generous. They gave him a 6/10 rating and wrote: “An explosive player, he doesn’t let himself down even on this occasion even if on his side, Inter almost always manages to keep a good guard.”
11Contro11 also gave Saka a 6/10 rating and said: “He is undoubtedly the most dangerous man among them. The only one who always tries to target his direct opponent, despite never finding the time to make a decisive play.
“His only shot on target is a comfortable pass to Sommer. His poisonous trajectories risk sending the Milanese defence into a tailspin, but not even this is enough to find the way to the goal.”
Bukayo Saka’s stats vs Inter Milan are disappointing
Saka worked really hard to try and make something happen against Inter Milan’s stubborn defence in the Champions League, but it just didn’t work out.
The Arsenal man would have come out of the game disappointed, and the last thing he would want to do is have a look at his stats.
In his 90 minutes on the pitch, Saka had 73 touches of the ball and completed 29 out of his 36 attempted passes, maintaining a passing accuracy of just 81 per cent.
Saka only completed three of his 19 attempted crosses, lost possession a staggering 32 times and won just two of his 13 attempted duels. (Sofascore)
These aren’t the sort of numbers you would usually associate Saka with, but everyone has a difficult game from time to time. We are convinced he will come back stronger against Chelsea.
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