Mikel Arteta won his first European game as Arsenal defeated Olympiakos 1-0 in a Europa League round of 32 clash at Karaiskaki Stadium on Thursday night.
The Spaniard named a strong starting line-up, with Bukayo Saka getting the nod over the experienced Bosnia international Sead Kolasinac at left-back.
Arsenal supporters raved about Saka's potential in the lead up to the game and the Hale End Academy product enhanced his growing reputation after notching his ninth assist of the season, setting up the winning goal scored by Alexandre Lacazette nine minutes from time.
Against the run of play, the Anglo-Nigerian fullback entered the box and his inch perfect pass found Lacazette, who poked home from close range.
Speaking as a pundit on BT Sport, former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie reserved special praise for the England U19 international and likened him to three Manchester United and Arsenal legends.
"This type of pass, Ryan Giggs used to give those passes, Dennis Bergkamp, Paul Scholes," said van Persie.
"This is like ordering your striker to move there, into the danger zone. It's actually world-class. Really, really good.
"He makes it look easy but this pass like I said only the great players can give those passes.
"An average player, most of the crosses there would be kicked away by the defender and would just be shot too high or too low without idea.
"This is a pass with a message and this is what you want from your players."
"This is like ordering your striker to move there, into the danger zone. It's actually world-class. Really, really good.
"He makes it look easy but this pass like I said only the great players can give those passes.
"An average player, most of the crosses there would be kicked away by the defender and would just be shot too high or too low without idea.
"This is a pass with a message and this is what you want from your players."
Saka was Arsenal's third choice left-back at the beginning of the season, behind Kieran Tierney and Kolasinac, but has now started the last six games played by Arsenal in all competitions as a fullback.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : arsenal.com
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