Bukayo Saka’s Stellar Performance Drives Arsenal, Earning Widespread Acclaim

Bukayo Saka again demonstrated his value as one of the world’s premier attackers, leading Arsenal to a 3-0 Champions League victory against Monaco. The England forward scored a goal on either side of half-time, before assisting Kai Havertz for the third goal, thereby almost mathematically securing Mikel Arteta’s team a place in the knockout stages. While Arsenal has fallen six points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League title race, Saka is on track for one of the most successful seasons of his career, having recorded nine goals and 12 assists in 21 games across all competitions. Last season, he scored 20 goals and provided 14 assists in 47 appearances in all competitions. His potential for further development remains a significant point of discussion. Saka’s progression has been remarkable since his European debut in the Europa League as a 17-year-old in 2018. Now 23, he has participated in seven Champions League matches at the Emirates Stadium, scoring seven times and contributing four assists. Since the beginning of last season, only Harry Kane (18), Vinicius Jr (16), and Antoine Griezmann (13) have been involved in more Champions League goals than Saka, who has eight goals and six assists. In that same period, he has both scored and assisted in a single Champions League game on five occasions, a record unmatched by any other player. This season, Mohamed Salah is the only Premier League player with a higher number of goal involvements (28) than Saka (21) across all competitions. In the Premier League, the Gunners forward has accumulated 96 goal involvements (52 goals and 44 assists). Should he reach 100 before the end of April, he will become the fourth youngest player ever to achieve this milestone, behind Michael Owen (22y 57d), Wayne Rooney (22y 122d), and Robbie Fowler (22y 166d). Speaking to TNT Sports after Wednesday’s victory, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Saka’s contribution to his team. “He looks really mature,” Arteta said. “What he has already done in the game at his age is incredible. Very humble, a great guy to have around and an incredible talent.” Arteta added, “He’s a special person. In his role, his leadership is increasing. With the young kids he is amazing, with the seniors he is amazing. He is loved by everybody and he makes the difference on the pitch.” Saka’s connection with Arsenal’s young players was evident when he immediately approached Myles Lewis-Skelly to thank the 18-year-old full-back for his role in the opening goal against Monaco. Even Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who coached Saka during his time at the club’s academy, did not anticipate his current level of performance. “He’s my favourite player, he’s been there for so long and he’s so nice. I never thought he would reach the levels we are seeing,” Henry said on BBC Football Focus. “He’s a starter for Arsenal, he’s a starter for England. I remember when he started he was playing wing-back and the evolution of his game is outstanding because he used to be so lively, to now scoring goals and assists.” Arsenal defeated Monaco 3-0, a performance during which Arteta lauded Saka as ‘exceptional’. For opposing teams’ supporters, the concerning aspect is Saka’s apparent potential for further improvement. Karen Carney remarked on TNT Sports, “Every decision he makes is the right decision. For someone that young to be that good – it’s scary how good he will be in three or four years.” When questioned on Match of the Day about how he would attempt to contain Saka, former Manchester City and QPR defender Nedum Onuoha humorously responded, “I would not even bother.” Onuoha added, “His impact is tremendous, he’s developing and he’s always a big threat.” Lewis-Skelly notably performed well in his Champions League debut. Highlights from all Champions League matches will be available from 22:00 on Wednesday via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app. Additionally, a Champions League Match of the Day program is scheduled for BBC One on Wednesday, running from 22:40 to 00:00.