Darren Bent lamented Bukayo Saka’s performance against Bayer Leverkusen, suggesting the Arsenal winger looked ‘greedy’ and a ‘bit desperate’.
Mikel Arteta’s side punched their ticket to the Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday as goals from Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice helped them secure a 3-1 aggregate victory.
The Gunners now face Sporting Lisbon for a spot within the semi-finals as they bid to acheive a famous quadruple.
But while it was a positive night on many fronts, former Premier League striker Bent was left scratching his head on the performance of Saka.
Arsenal’s right winger has 16 goal involvements in all competitions, but has not been at his blistering best when put next to seasons passed by.
And Bent believes that Saka’s display against Leverkusen on Wednesday proved that the 24-year-old might just be a tad overeager on the minute when he gets into goalscoring positions.
‘It’s not a lot poor, however it’s just a bit bit greedy and he’s bordering on a bit bit desperate by way of among the shots he shoots when he shouldn’t,’ Bent told talkSPORT when asked about Saka’s display.
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‘He should pass it a few times. But listen, last night was a bit bit difficult for him because they were doubling up on him defensively.’
Bent, though, was blown away by the performance of Eze, who repaid Arteta’s recent faith in him with a thunderous strike to interrupt the deadlock.
‘Eze, that is considered one of those examples where I’ve said to you before on various occasions, footballers need rhythm,’ Bent said.
‘And no matter how he’s playing Eze, just keep planning.
‘Keep giving them the minutes and eventually things like it will occur because he’s a special talent. And that goal there was, oh my goodness.’
Asked about Eze’s performance post-match, a delighted Arteta said: ‘He’s playing I believe every three days now, he has a rhythm, an understanding together with his teammates as well, what we would like, and particularly his level of activity, with and without the ball – within the spaces that he moves and the aim that he’s showing each time he’s in and across the box as well.
‘It’s a reason why he’s here – to create those sort of moments.
‘Comparing the minutes he’s playing now together with his profession, he’s playing way more now than in every other season, in order that tells you as well the consistency he’s showing, he’s at all times fit.
‘Today he had to return off – he has a variety of minutes in him, but he’s handling the pressure of the situation and the expectation thoroughly.’
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