Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hailed Bukayo Saka for delivering match-winning moments when the team needed them most, after his starring role in Arsenal’s 3-1 comeback victory over Southampton on Saturday.
The Gunners fell behind early in the second half after Cameron Archer scored for Southampton. However, Saka sparked the turnaround, contributing two goals and an assist to lead Arsenal to an important Premier League win.
Saka’s influence was evident when his precise pass allowed Kai Havertz to equalise, capitalising on a mistake by Flynn Downes. He then provided a perfect cross for Gabriel Martinelli to tap in, giving Arsenal the lead at 2-1. Despite Southampton threatening to equalise, Saka secured the victory with a well-deserved goal, capitalising on an error from Yukinari Sugawara late in the match.
Reflecting on Saka’s growing influence, Arteta praised his maturity and impact on the team. “That’s the maturity and the steps that players have to take,” Arteta said. “He’s been long enough in the team now – he’s earned the right to have that role. He believes in that, and he has the capacity to change games, decide games, like many other players. If you want to be at the top, players have to create those moments, and he’s certainly done that today.”
When asked if Saka’s performances should now be considered routine, Arteta disagreed, emphasising that Saka had taken his game to a new level. “I think he’s another step ahead of where he was, especially when he delivers in big moments, not just when it’s 3-0. That’s what defines a top player.”
At just 23 years old, Saka has already amassed 61 goals and 60 assists in 236 appearances for Arsenal. When asked whether his youth should still be a factor, Arteta pointed to his incredible statistics. “You can’t ignore the stats. What he’s doing at his age is unbelievable.”
Saka has started all 10 games for Arsenal across all competitions this season, as well as two Nations League matches for England. With three goals and seven assists already for the Gunners, Arteta admitted that resting the winger is a challenge given his current form.
When asked if he had considered benching Saka this season, Arteta acknowledged the need for load management. “Yeah, there is [temptation], and we’ve taken him off a couple of times this season. We have to manage his load, but at the moment, he’s in a good place.”
