AliousArsenal’s usually ever-present and reliable 22-year-old forward, Bukayo Saka was absent for the Gunners’ crucial Premier League finale against Everton at the Emirates on Sunday.
In what is arguably Arsenal’s biggest game in decades, with the Premier League title on the line, Saka’s absence dealt a gut-wrenching blow to the fans and everyone associated with the club.
For Arsenal to be crowned champions, they needed to win while hoping Manchester City dropped points against West Ham United.
Saka has been Arsenal’s main attacking threat this season, scoring 16 Premier League goals as their top scorer. However, if the Gunners are to achieve the unthinkable and win the title, they will have to do it without their star player.
Upon learning of Saka’s absence, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry provided a simple response, using Kevin De Bruyne as an example. Henry pointed out that despite De Bruyne missing several months through injury this season, other Manchester City players like Phil Foden stepped up, highlighting the importance of a team effort in winning titles.
Henry believes other Arsenal players now need to step up and prove their worth if they are to get over the line, acknowledging that even if Arsenal beat Everton, they may still fall short of becoming Premier League champions.
While Mikel Arteta can take positives from Arsenal taking the title race to the final day, the prospect of losing out again and feeling powerless to stop the trophy-winning machine that is Manchester City looms large.
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