Bukayo Saka’s two reasons for not performing at Arsenal as Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer agree

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has struggled for form with Mikel Arteta often criticised for his approach this season as his side look to end their long trophy drought

Micah Richards believes the two reasons for Bukayo Saka's struggles at Arsenal are the set-up and his poor form - while Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer agree that the Gunners' approach will not change. Sunday's disappointing 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final extends Arsenal's wait for a major trophy.

Mikel Arteta's side have not lifted silverware since winning the 2020 FA Cup, while the Gunners' last League Cup trophy came in 1993. Arsenal still, however, hold a commanding position in the Premier League with Arteta's men nine points clear as they chase a first top-flight title since 2004.

The Gunners also have favourable draws in the FA Cup and Champions League quarter-finals next month. Arteta's team face Championship side Southampton and Portugal's Sporting in their bid to reach the last four of both cup competitions.

But several of Arsenal's attacking players have struggled for form in recent weeks, with Saka one such star to endure a difficult run. The winger has just two league goals since December - having missed two games through injury in late January and early February.

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And former Man City defender Richards has had his say on the England international while discussing Arsenal's loss on Sunday with Lineker and Shearer on the Rest is Football Podcast.

He said: "When you've got Saka and [Leandro] Trossard and [Gabriel] Jesus, this is where you separate the men from the boys. First, I think it comes from the manager, because I think they're having to do too much defensive work.

"When they're getting on the ball, they're having to travel too far up the pitch, and I've said that consistently throughout the season. Then it's about the players now taking the responsibility, because they have are good players, Saka is a top player, but we're not seeing it because one, the setup, and then two, he's out of form.

"He needs to now say, 'OK, we've lost this, it's not the end of the world, what can I do to make sure in the Champions League, in the FA Cup, and in the league, I'm the Saka that everyone knows and loves', because that's a big player. Big players turn up in the big games, and that's what they need to do."

Lineker then suggested that it is unlikely Saka's form will improve with Arsenal's current approach under Arteta.

The former Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur striker said: "But can he do it the way they're playing? Like, you said, they get the ball deep, and he's having to do so much defensive work, and by the time he gets it they're all back and deep and they can double and sometimes treble up on him.

"He still plays brilliantly, but it's not easy for him, whereas, if they were, like you said, higher up the pitch, they could get the ball to him early and then he's one on one and you've got half a chance. It's very difficult to beat two or three players every time."

Ex-Newcastle United striker Shearer, though, believes there is no chance of Arsenal changing their approach - something Lineker agrees with.

Shearer added: "They're not changing, though, between now and the end of the season." In response, Lineker said: "It's worked for them so far, that's why, isn't it?"