‘Wasn’t his best day’… TalkSPORT pundit claims key Arsenal player really struggled vs Brentford

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Andy Townsend believes Arsenal star Bukayo Saka wasn’t at his best against Brentford on Saturday.

The Gunners left it late to pick up a crucial 2-1 win over Brentford at the Emirates Stadium.

Many expected Arsenal to continue their exceptional form in front of goal and blow the Bees away. But Thomas Frank’s side proved to be a stern test for the north Londoners.

Kai Havertz’s late header secured a vital three points for Mikel Arteta’s men after Declan Rice had opened the scoring inside 20 minutes.

While Brentford ultimately fell to defeat at the Emirates, you have to credit Frank for his gameplan on the night.

The Bees stifled the threats on some of Arsenal’s key players, including Bukayo Saka. And Andy Townsend feels the 22-year-old wasn’t at his best on the night.

Townsend claims Saka struggled against Brentford

Speaking on TalkSPORT (11/3 8:46am), Townsend discussed Saka’s latest display for Arsenal.

“Bukayo Saka is normally always the go-to man but it wasn’t his best day at the weekend,” the pundit said.

“He didn’t quite get involved as much as he would have liked but they’ve got so many good players.”

Saka has been Arsenal’s talisman once again this season, racking up 31 goal involvements in 36 appearances in all competitions.

But he did struggle against the Bees on the weekend, with Frank’s set-up often nullifying his threat down the right-hand side.

Whenever Saka picked up the ball, he was faced with at least two Brentford defenders and the winger found it difficult to create space.

Nevertheless, Arsenal got over the line on Saturday without Saka being at his best in the final third.

That will be an encouraging sign for Arteta, who will be delighted with players like Havertz and Rice also making an impact in big moments.