Martin Keown has told Match of the Day 2 that Bukayo Saka has been Arsenal’s “most-creative” player since Mikel Arteta arrived in North London to replace Unai Emery – after Saka netted his fifth goal of the season against Leeds.
Saka, 21, has enjoyed a brilliant week. Going into last Sunday’s 3-2 win over Liverpool, he had only scored one goal in his first 10 league and cup appearances. But in his last three outings, he has four goals – two coming against Liverpool.
He netted in Norway against Bodo/Glimt. On Sunday, he scored the only goal of the game to beat Leeds at Elland Road 1-0. How it was the only goal of the game, though, is a different story – as Leeds peppered the Arsenal goal.
Patrick Bamford had a goal disallowed, missed a penalty, and then won another penalty – only for VAR to rule it out. Keown raved about Saka, claiming he is the most-creative player under Arteta during the Arsenal manager’s reign.
“Saka is just fantastic. This kid is the most-creative player that has been at Arsenal since Arteta came in. This finish, I’ve seen him sky a few of these so he has certainly been practicing it, a top-level finish. It was the difference,” Keown said.
KEOWN: SAKA ARSENAL’S MOST-CREATIVE PLAYER SINCE ARTETA ARRIVED
It is hard to argue, or suggest another player – perhaps, other than Martin Odegaard – that have provided the same level of consistent creativity under the Spaniard. Even just this season, Saka has nine goal involvements in 13 games.
He is continually getting better and better. A player that is still just 21, which should underline just how good he is – and can be. Under Arteta, the Hale End academy product has a real chance of becoming an Arsenal legend.
Just six appearances shy of reaching 150 games for the Gunners, Saka might already be a bit of a Gunners icon. But his time at Arsenal is just getting started – that is of course, if he puts pen to paper on a new contract.