Bukayo Saka Booed by Port Vale Fans: Theory Emerges Explaining Why

A theory has emerged as to why Bukayo Saka faced relentless booing from Port Vale supporters during Arsenal’s 2-0 win in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday night. The Gunners scored in both halves – Eberechi Eze striking within the opening eight minutes and Leandro Trossard adding a late goal to seal their place in the next round.

It was another professional performance from Mikel Arteta’s side, who welcomed back William Saliba and Saka into a strong starting lineup. Arsenal will now host in-form Brighton and Hove Albion in the fourth round, with the Seagulls fresh from consecutive 6-0 wins over Oxford United and Barnsley.

Naturally, a clash with another Premier League side will mark Arsenal’s toughest Carabao Cup test yet as the north Londoners chase their first triumph since the 1992-93 campaign. They will, however, be boosted by the return of Saka – even if they may have to get used to their world-class winger being the target of relentless abuse.

Theory Over Why Saka Got Booed At Port Vale Emerges

It can’t be said for certain why Saka received the loudest booing at Vale Park, but a theory has emerged among supporters on social media. Many believe it stems from the fact that the England international – one of the Premier League’s standout players for several years now – is viewed as Arsenal’s biggest threat.

Although the winger was not at his sharpest due to a recent injury, plenty of League One supporters would still have been well aware of the quality he brings. Over the past couple of seasons, almost everything in Arsenal’s attack has, in some way, been shaped or influenced by him. One X user wrote:

Another wrote: “He is the best player from their opposition. Nothing strange. Happens in football all the time,” while a fourth added: “It’s a compliment, they boo players they fear to try and put them off.” Elsewhere, a fifth concluded:

Over the past two Premier League seasons, Saka has been directly involved in 41 goals across 60 appearances. Arteta’s reliance on his right winger to carry much of the attacking burden was finally addressed this past summer with the signings of Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze.

However, with Noni Madueke sidelined for two months by a knee injury, Saka is now expected to regain full match sharpness sooner than originally planned. His next test comes on Sunday afternoon, when Arsenal make the gruelling trip to Newcastle to face an Eddie Howe side that has kept four clean sheets in its first five league outings.