'He's not doing it' - Carlton Cole says Bukayo Saka has become a 'passenger' for Arsenal

Former Chelsea striker Carlton Cole (Picture: Dressing Room Podcast)

Carlton Cole believes Bukayo Saka has become a ‘passenger’ in Arsenal’s side this season and gets too much ‘grace’ from manager Mikel Arteta.

Saka enjoyed a fast start to the season, scoring three goals in his first matches in all competitions.

Despite that, the 25-year-old has seen his form come under question, with Arteta even recently suggesting that the forward should be aiming to score ‘two or three’ goals per game such is his quality.

Saka played the full ninety last weekend but failed to get on the scoresheet as Noni Madueke’s strike helped the Gunners secure a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

Reflecting on his latest display, former Chelsea striker Cole claimed that Saka is getting too much leniency from his boss and should have his spot in the starting lineup questioned in the coming weeks.

‘We have to look at Saka, I’m not sure man, he’s not doing it,’ Cole said on The Dressing Room Podcast.

‘I think he’s a little bit of a passenger at the minute and I hope that he does come good but he’s not quite there right now.

Bukayo Saka has failed to score in his last three Premier League matches (Picture: Shutterstock)

‘I want him to do well and prove the haters wrong but his position is being questioned right now.’

Cole continued: ‘You have Max Dowman and as they, if you’re good enough you are old enough. He’s probably looking at people on the bench, thinking ‘How am I not getting on and playing’ because he can glide past players.

‘That No10 role is even his position as well, so he comes on the right but I think he’s better in the middle.

Eberechi Eze struggled against Nottingham Forest (Picture: Getty)

‘But Saka gets grace all the time and I think it’s unfair on the other players because every other player gets called off by the gaffer.’

Elsewhere, Cole challenged Eberechi Eze to up his levels after a quiet performance on the left wing saw him replaced by Madueke at half-time against Forest.

‘Eze, it’s just not working out for him,’ Cole added.