Bukayo Saka makes worrying fitness admission after Arsenal win at Brighton

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Arsenal are back at the top of the Premier League after ultimately making light work of Brighton on Saturday.

The Gunners opened the scoring from a penalty in the 33rd minute, the referee pointing to the spot after Tariq Lamptey conceded a spot kick against Gabriel Jesus.

Bukayo Saka, who was a doubt ahead of the match, stepped up and duly sent Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen the wrong way to give the Gunners the lead.

Arsenal then extended their advantage in the 62nd minute as Jorginho cut the ball back for the in-form Kai Havertz to slam home.

Then, with just four minutes left, former Seagulls ace Leandro Trossard raced through on goal from Havertz’s pass and chipped over Verbruggen for the third.

Bukayo Saka makes worrying fitness admission following Arsenal win over Brighton

Saka had been an injury doubt prior to Arsenal’s trip to Brighton. Indeed, he wasn’t spotted in the Gunners’ training pictures on Friday, sparking yet more concern.

“We will know now,” Arteta told the Gunners media team on Friday morning. “We have a training session in a few hours and we will know whether he is fit or not.”

However, the 22-year-old went on to start in the match at the Amex Stadium, playing 64 minutes before Gabriel Martinelli took his place.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Saka admitted that he had been struggling prior to the game. The “world-class” forward insisted he wants to “give everything” for the cause.

“Yes, I was struggling [before Brighton],” said the England international. “As long as I have two legs I will give everything. I just want to be on the pitch.”

Saka had also said: “We are all buzzing. It takes us back on top so we are happy. To come here after playing three days ago as well, we are building momentum.”

Arsenal are now top of the Premier League table on 71 points, one ahead of Liverpool – who play on Sunday – and Manchester City.

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Saka’s fitness has been a topic of debate for well over a year now. The Gunners star’s workload has been immense, and all too often he appears to be struggling on the pitch.

This summer, it’s imperative that Arsenal bring in another top talent out on the wing to share the workload, because the risk of burnout, fatigue and injury will only get higher and higher if he continues.