Bukayo Saka appears to be returning to peak form for Arsenal this season after an injury-hit 2023-24 campaign. The 24-year-old winger missed seven games and the March international break due to an Achilles injury but returned to help Arsenal win the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years. His season ended disappointingly with a substituted appearance in the Champions League final loss to Paris-St Germain in Budapest, where his performance drew criticism.

At the World Cup, England boss Thomas Tuchel limited Saka to just 357 minutes across eight matches. Despite reduced minutes, Saka scored a hat-trick in the 6-4 third-place win over France and registered three assists, averaging a goal involvement every 60 minutes. He admitted frustration at not being 100% fit but called it a "gamble" worth taking.

A summer break and early return to training have revitalized Saka. He starred in Arsenal's 3-0 opening-day win over Coventry, scoring the second goal and tormenting full-back Jay Dasilva. Saka revealed he took only seven days off before resuming training, motivated by England's World Cup shortfall. Arsenal's win percentage remains notably higher with Saka in the side, and his sharpness suggests a return to the consistent excellence that made him indispensable.