Scholes Backs Saka to Prove Decisive as Arsenal Chase Double Glory

Paul Scholes has pinpointed Bukayo Saka as the pivotal figure who could swing Arsenal's destiny in what promises to be a thrilling climax to the season. With Mikel Arteta's side bidding to dethrone Manchester City in the Premier League whilst simultaneously eyeing European supremacy, the former United midfielder reckons the English winger holds the key to unlocking both ambitions.

The Gunners face a demanding final stretch. Before their Champions League final showdown with Paris Saint-Germain on May 30, Arsenal must navigate Premier League encounters against West Ham United, Burnley, and Crystal Palace. Currently five points ahead of Manchester City—who possess a game in hand—the title picture remains delicately poised.

Saka's resurgence has been nothing short of remarkable. After battling through injury earlier in the campaign, the 24-year-old right-winger has rediscovered his sharpness and is now operating at full capacity. His contribution speaks volumes: 11 goals and eight assists across 46 appearances in all competitions this term.

Speaking on The Overlap, Scholes highlighted Saka's transformative impact: "I think Saka is the biggest difference. He's fresh because when he was playing before his injury, he wasn't the same person. This injury has done him a world of good, hasn't it? He could be the one in the last four or five games."

Roy Keane chimed in with his own assessment, noting how Saka's presence elevates those around him, particularly in the creative corridors where Martín Ødegaard thrives. Scholes expanded on this theme, emphasising the chemistry that blossoms when the winger operates in full flow: "Saka makes the rest of them better players. How many times do you see Odegaard in that little space there between Saka and the midfield and just feeding him in them balls. You've got to have connections in that team, the connections haven't been there."

Yet Scholes has been forthright in his reservations about Arsenal's overall trajectory. The legendary midfielder stopped short of hailing them as champions-elect, suggesting their style lacks the hallmark of true greatness. "I don't think they're the best champions we'll ever see," he remarked. "You don't always have to beat the top teams—they've not beat City and Liverpool, the best teams for the last four, five, six years. That's why I don't think people will speak about them being a great team."

He continued with characteristic bluntness: "To be a great team, you've got to go and beat these teams. They won't have beaten City, won't have beaten Liverpool, United beat them. I know you can get away with not winning those games, of course you can, but I'm just trying to say, they're not a team I'd turn on and watch all the time. We've seen Raya and the centre-halves just playing and playing. It's been boring."