Arsenal opened the defence of their Premier League title on Friday 21 August with a 3-0 win over newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium. Kai Havertz scored inside the first quarter of an hour, Saka doubled the lead midway through the first half, and Martin Ødegaard added a third four minutes after the break.

Saka finished from close range for his goal.

For BBC Arsenal reporter Alex Howell, the display was the launch pad for an analysis of whether the 24-year-old is on his way back to his top level. Howell notes that Saka reached 11 goals across all competitions in last season’s title-winning campaign despite a spell on the sidelines.

Saka moves past Sanchez on Arsenal’s Premier League list

The goal against Coventry carried a milestone with it. Saka now has 61 Premier League goals for Arsenal, moving him past Alexis Sanchez’s 60.

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After the game, Saka pointed to a short summer break and an early return to training.

“It was more about balancing my time away from football and not taking too long a break. I took seven days off and then started training again,” he told reporters.

Saka played 357 minutes for England at the summer’s World Cup, contributing three goals and three assists before England were knocked out by Spain in the semi-final.

“I have put the World Cup behind me mentally,” Saka said.

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Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith is optimistic about Saka’s return to top level, provided he stays fit.

“I see no reason why he can’t get back to his best. Injuries can just rob you of rhythm and confidence,” Smith told Goal.

Saliba out until October at the earliest

That context makes Saka’s sharpness all the more important for Mikel Arteta. Saliba picked up a back injury in France’s semi-final against Spain at the World Cup, and Arsenal have opted for an extended rest period rather than surgery. He is not expected back until the Premier League match against Leeds on 10 October.

“Wilo, as we all know, is a bit more long-term,” Arteta told reporters, according to Sports Mole.

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Without Saliba, more of the goal-scoring burden falls on Arsenal’s attackers. Saka’s opening-day performance has been one of the more encouraging signs Arteta has picked up this week.

Arsenal travel to Villa Park on Saturday 29 August to face Aston Villa.

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