Bukayo Saka was named man-of-the-match after he scored one and assisted the other in the Gunners 2-1 win over Bournemouth on Monday night to leave his club manager singing his praises.
Mikel Arteta was a delighted man at the Vitality Stadium after Arsenal progressed to the next round of the FA Cup following yet another impressive display from the young Anglo-Nigerian.
Saka handed the visitors the lead after just five minutes played, putting the finishing touch to a beautiful team build-up that involved 22 passes and all of Arsenal’s outfield players. The 18-year-old attacker-turned-fullback then turned provider for Eddie Nketiah’s goal twenty minutes later.
Saka’s assist for the second goal was his seventh of the season so far – more than any other Arsenal player.
He has been directly involved in 10 goals in all competitions – only Martinelli (13) and Aubameyang (17) have been involved in more for the north Londoners this season.
The youngster’s tireless display and his link-up play with Gabriel Martinelli continue to be a major facet of the Gunners game under Mikel Arteta.
Speaking to the Arsenal official website, Arteta revealed how Saka’s humility, his willingness to learn and his attitude are some of the things he appreciates about the youngster who was being played out of position.
“It is the situation now because we don’t have any left-backs at the moment,” said the former Arsenal skipper.
“What I like is that he’s put his head down, it’s not his favourite position to play, but we try to adapt him with his qualities to play him as much as possible in the position that he likes.
“But then he is very willing to learn all the defensive principals that we are asking him to do and his attitude is really good.”
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