'He's Performing Like A Senior Player' - Arsenal Boss Reacts To Saka's Display And That Nutmeg

Published: February 16, 2020

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reserved special praise for Bukayo Saka following the left-back's outstanding performance in their 4-0 rout of Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening.

Saka's place in the starting line-up against the Magpies had been in doubt after suffering an injury in the Gunners last match before the winter break but he recovered in time for today's match.

The Hale End Academy product showed more experience venturing forward and was rewarded with an assist after he brilliantly set up Arsenal's second goal scored by Nicolas Pepe twelve minutes into the second half.

Speaking post-match, Arteta told BBC Sport : "Saka is doing really well, he always keeps his head down, he wants to learn. It's a big project but he's performing like a senior player.

"And he has the courage to play everyday to make decisions, to risk in the final third and he got rewarded again."

On Saka's fantastic nutmeg on Valentino Lazaro in the build-up to Pepe's goal, Arteta said : "It was good".

Saka has provided eight assists in all competitions in the 2019-2020 season, more than any other Arsenal player.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com