Emmanuel Petit has claimed that Bukayo Saka's timely return from injury could prove decisive in Arsenal's pursuit of Premier League and Champions League glory this season. The former Arsenal midfielder expressed his conviction that the 24-year-old winger's presence could be the difference-maker in the final stretch of the campaign.
Saka's Injury Struggles and Comeback
Saka was sidelined for approximately one month due to an Achilles problem, marking his third separate injury of the season. This forced him to miss five matches across all competitions, during which Arsenal's campaign appeared to be derailing. The England international has endured a frustrating season personally, with a combination of form and fitness limiting his impact. However, Saka returned to action as a late substitute in Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Newcastle, immediately making his presence felt at the Emirates Stadium. Manager Mikel Arteta has been cautious with Saka's reintegration, carefully managing his minutes to avoid further setbacks. The 24-year-old was again used from the bench in the Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid and was substituted at half-time against Fulham. It was on Tuesday night that Saka truly announced his return, scoring the decisive goal that sent Arsenal through to the Champions League final.
Petit's Analysis on Saka's Importance
In his column for BOYLE Sports, Petit wrote: 'Viktor Gyokeres was missing Bukayo Saka; he was out for months, while Martin Odegaard spent long periods on the bench. Can you imagine where Arsenal would have been if those players had been fit all season?' He added: 'We can see now how badly Saka was missed; his return might be what wins Arsenal the Premier League and the Champions League. Without him, it could have been nothing. I think he is mentally and physically fresh. He has got some life in his legs; Arteta is managing him carefully because you cannot take any risks with him.' Petit emphasized that Arsenal still have four games remaining: three in the Premier League and one Champions League final. 'So, do not rush him. They are winning games, and he has been important in the last few. The next game against West Ham will be very important for both teams. I presume Saka will be crucial. Saka and Odegaard have been among their best players for years. They were missing those guys. It is like asking Pep Guardiola to play without Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva.'
Premier League Title Race
Petit is convinced that Arsenal will win the Premier League this season and believes the fanbase should be satisfied even if that is the only trophy they secure. 'Arsenal could win both trophies, but after what they have been through over the last few seasons, the Premier League would be enough,' the 1998 France World Cup winner explained. 'What I would say is that it is not a coincidence that they can win the Champions League for the first time and end their Premier League drought in the same season; things happen for a reason. Arsenal are going to win the Premier League. Even after losing at City 2-1 and dropping the nine-point advantage they had, I was always confident because I knew those guys were going to come back.' He noted that Manchester City's slip-up against Everton has opened the door, but the title race could still go down to goal difference. 'The last three games for Arsenal are West Ham, Burnley, and Crystal Palace. Two derbies and one against Burnley, who are already down. You could say it is nine points, but West Ham will probably play like it is a final.' Petit also pointed out City's challenging schedule: 'They have to go to Bournemouth. Look at Bournemouth; they have been one of the best teams in the Premier League for weeks now. The same with Brighton, and City play Aston Villa in the last game. Aston Villa are struggling to keep their position on the table. So I wish City good luck as well, but as I said, I see Arsenal winning the Premier League.'
Champions League Final Prospects
Regarding the Champions League final, Petit stated: 'I am not sure about the Champions League final, but I think if you ask me to decide, I will take both. But if I have to make a choice, I will say the Premier League first.' He urged Arsenal to ignore criticism about their style of play, noting that history will only remember the trophies. 'Arsenal controlled the tie against Atletico, but again we heard the same critics again, a lot of people are complaining about the level of display, the way both teams were playing, very tactically, very strong structure defensively. Arsenal did what it takes to go to the Champions League final. So I think it is a huge improvement. The critics talk about how Arsenal play, the fact that they struggle to score goals, but they have been in almost every single competition until the end, except the FA Cup. This is the only team in Europe who has done that. And despite the fact that they are struggling to score goals, they still win games. And I think this is the most important. History will remember the trophies for a couple of years. Who cares about how Arsenal reached the final? To be honest with you, let the noises spread and stay focused on the Premier League and the Champions League final.'
Petit on Gyokeres and Arsenal's Attack
Petit also praised Viktor Gyokeres, who has turned his fortunes around after a rocky start at Arsenal. 'Viktor Gyokeres is not a romantic player, nor is he the most gifted player. But honestly, I was thinking about the central defenders of Atletico Madrid. Robin Le Normand was substituted, and the others found it so difficult for them to mark him. Gyokeres gives 100 per cent every time he is on the pitch. I know that it is not enough when you play for Arsenal, you want something more romantic after the likes of Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry. You could say that Arsenal deserves a striker like that. But this guy, despite the critics, despite the pressure, is trying everything he can on the pitch to make a difference. Recently, he has been a nightmare for defenders. He ran the channels; he held up the ball. He missed this great opportunity in the second half. He should have done better, but it was quite difficult technically. He was very important in both games.'
Petit concluded by emphasizing that Arsenal's tactical approach gives them a real chance in the final, regardless of whether they face PSG or Bayern Munich. 'I do not think Arsenal would prefer either PSG or Bayern in the final. They play similar types of explosive attacking football, and Arsenal play more tactically. PSG and Bayern have been the most impressive teams in the Champions League this season, with a DNA of scoring goals; Arsenal have been the best defensive team. I think either way, Arsenal would be underdogs, but if they play their tactical game, they have a real chance of winning the Champions League for the first time.'
