Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could almost forgive his side for going a goal down to struggling Southampton, as it brought out the best in winger Bukayo Saka. The 23-year-old left-footer responded with a masterclass, scoring one goal and setting up two more in a 3-1 home victory for the Gunners.
Arteta described the Saints’ opening goal as a wake-up call, sparking a resounding response from his team. He highlighted Saka’s ability to rise to the occasion, praising his consistency and impact in various scenarios. “I think he’s another step ahead in what he wants, and especially when (he does it) – do it at home, do it away, do it in big games, do it in not-so-big games when the team needs it, do it when it’s 3-0 – that’s what defines a top, top player,” Arteta told reporters.
He also acknowledged Saka’s impressive statistical performance, stating, “Obviously, there are the stats, and you cannot get away from that. What he’s doing at his age is unbelievable, we have many examples of that as well.”
Despite his relative youth, Saka has become a key figure in Arsenal’s attacking arsenal. “That’s the maturity and that’s the steps that players have to go (through). He has been long enough in the team now and he has earned the right to have that role, he believes in that and he has the capacity to change games,” the 42-year-old coach explained.
Arteta was equally complimentary of German forward Kai Havertz, who scored from a Saka pass, making it seven home games in a row with a goal. “He’s an attacking midfielder, he plays as a nine, you don’t know where he is – that’s his football brain, and for sure, his focus now as well is ‘I’m gonna win the game, I’m gonna do it’,” Arteta said, adding that he believes Havertz has even more to offer. “He’s practising and he wants more, he’s not satisfied with what he’s doing, because there is still another level from him,” he concluded.
