The leading French sports paper singles out Bukayo Saka’s devastating display against Ipswich as evidence that Arsenal’s right flank is once again unplayable.
Ahead of the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, the 23-year-old Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has earned plaudits from L’Équipe, whose Monday edition headlined its piece: Saka en pleine forme – “Saka in top form”.
The article, written by Damien Degorre, offers a detailed breakdown of Saka’s return to form following his hamstring injury and highlights his devastating performance in Arsenal’s 4-0 demolition of Ipswich Town.
Degorre notes that while Mikel Arteta exercised caution by removing Saka early in the second half after a dangerous tackle by Leif Davis, the winger “caused immense miseries to the Tractor Boys,” and demonstrated that he “was back to his best just three weeks into competition.”
Saka’s contribution was not limited to a single highlight. Degorre credits him with a key assist and a crucial pre-assist, remarking that he created “two monumental chances” even after suffering the tackle that led to Davis’s red card.
While the article does wonder whether the ice pack placed on Saka’s Achilles after the match is a concern, it also reports Arteta’s post-match reassurance: “It’s a bit sore, but nothing serious.”
The feature frames Saka’s display against Ipswich as his most complete since returning to the starting XI.
It lauds the synergy with Martin Ødegaard, stating their partnership “has not suffered from the separation.” Ødegaard’s delicate touches before Saka’s cross for the opening goal and again in a second-half opportunity for Mikel Merino underline the rhythm Arsenal have rediscovered on the right, particularly with Ben White‘s return as well. This was the first game that Ødegaard, Saka and White had started together since November.
On Martinelli’s goal, Degorre is emphatic: “Saka was the origin, after having burst down his flank and crossed for Merino, whose behind-the-plant-leg pass for the Brazilian is perhaps one of the most beautiful assists of the English season.”
The piece also praises the positional fluidity in Arteta’s midfield, crediting Declan Rice’s deeper role and Merino’s return to a familiar box-to-box function. The reshuffling, it notes, has not disrupted the team’s chemistry.
Leandro Trossard, starting as a nominal striker, “not less performant” than others, scored his first Premier League brace in Arsenal colours, while Ethan Nwaneri, who replaced Saka, added a late goal – his ninth of the season – described by Degorre as “inspired”.
With just nine days until PSG arrive at the Emirates, L’Équipe concludes that “les Gunners sont armés” – the Gunners are armed.
The compliment, understated but precise, reflects a growing consensus across Europe. If Arsenal’s injury concerns can be managed and Saka remains in this kind of form, Luis Enrique‘s side will face more than just a well-coached outfit – they will face a team brimming with confidence and a star winger once again at the height of his powers.