Darren Bent Labels Bukayo Saka "Greedy" and "Desperate" Following Arsenal’s Champions League Victory Over Leverkusen

Darren Bent criticizes Bukayo Saka for being "desperate" and "greedy" during Arsenal's 2-0 Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 5:45 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

A Dominant Night at the Emirates

Arsenal continued their relentless form on Tuesday night, systematically dismantling Bayer Leverkusen to book a quarter-final date with Sporting CP. The 2-0 victory, which saw the Gunners rack up an impressive 13 shots on target, was fueled by goals from summer signing Eberechi Eze and midfield anchor Declan Rice. The result marks a significant milestone for Mikel Arteta’s side as they remain the only English club still chasing an unprecedented quadruple. However, the post-match discourse has been partially diverted by a critical assessment of the team’s star winger, Bukayo Saka.

Bent’s Critique of Saka’s Decision-Making

Speaking on talkSPORT, former Tottenham striker Darren Bent expressed his frustration with Saka’s individual display. While acknowledging that Leverkusen often "doubled up" on the winger to nullify his threat, Bent argued that Saka’s response was to force play rather than involve his teammates. He characterized the performance as "bordering on desperate," noting several instances where the England international chose to shoot from difficult angles instead of opting for a simple pass. For Bent, this perceived "greed" was the only blemish on an otherwise flawless night for the North London club.

The Emergence of Eberechi Eze as a "Special Talent"

In contrast to the criticism of Saka, the night served as a major validation for Eberechi Eze’s recent £60 million move from Crystal Palace. Eze broke the deadlock in the 36th minute with a strike that Bent described as "incredible." Arteta’s decision to provide Eze with consistent minutes appears to be paying off, with the player finding a rhythm that has made him a focal point of the Arsenal attack. The manager noted that Eze’s level of activity—both in and around the box—is exactly why the club targeted him during the summer transfer window, praising his fitness and ability to handle the pressure of high-stakes European football.