Ten-man Arsenal fought out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the home of their bitter rivals with the England youth international impressing quite a few fans on Tuesday night.
Bukayo Saka was a key part of the Gunners team that showed spirit and character to salvage a draw after going behind twice at the Stamford Bridge despite playing most of the game with a man down.
Things looked bleak for Mikel Arteta’s men when David Luiz was sent off for a foul on Tammy Abraham. Jorginho then rolled the resultant penalty past Leno to leave the visitors in all sorts of trouble. But Gabriel Martinelli scored a fine solo goal to equalize before Cesar Azpilicueta scored what appeared to be a late winner.
But Arsenal fought back through Hector Bellerin whose curler earned a point for the Gunners.
Nigerian-eligible Saka once again delivered an assured performance as a left fullback as the youngster continued his adaptation to his new role.
The 18-year-old won each of the five tackles he attempted, made three clearances, came out on top in 10 of the 13 ground duels he was engaged in and won 3 free-kicks without committing a single foul.
A few fans on Twitter saw the talented winger’s efficiency at an unfamiliar position and hailed him for a job well done.
Bukayo Saka playing well again tonight, by the way.
5/5 tackles, 3 clearances, 10/13 ground duels won, 3 free-kicks won without committing a single foul, 85% pass accuracy, 2/2 dribbles.
Other than a couple of stray crosses it was everything you want from a left-back. pic.twitter.com/nNSJWbfNdn
— Dan Critchlow (@afcDW) January 21, 2020
Let's take a moment and appreciate bukayo saka pic.twitter.com/wzSGCGQJxn
— Abokorgunners (@gunnerforever78) January 21, 2020
A word for Bukayo Saka – not just for tonight, but for the last few weeks especially.
What he's done this season deserves credit, but his recent run at left-back merits even more. Lots to work on, but his technical level, intelligence, maturity has been so impressive.
— Scouted Football (@ScoutedFtbl) January 21, 2020
We have to talk about Bukayo Saka.. Proper baller
— Faisal (@katibijr) January 21, 2020
Bukayo Saka is going right to the top
— JB™️ (@gunnerpunner) January 21, 2020
Just watched an 18 year old English lad play his heart out for Arsenal at left-back at Stamford Bridge. Two nights ago saw Kurzawa stink the place out for PSG against a Ligue 2 side. Are Arsenal serious?
— Matt Spiro (@mattspiro) January 21, 2020
The NFF needs to be all over Bukayo Saka now, it's not when England shucks eye they will now tell us they tried their best.
Amaju Pinnick should wise up.
— Lloyd (@winfieldlloyd) January 22, 2020
Can we also take a moment and appreciate Bukayo Saka. He has been immense this season pic.twitter.com/KqhU6rD2Wk
— Amine Regragui (@MoroccanGunner) January 22, 2020
I don't know how no one takes about Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka has been phenomenal. He's a very intelligent footballer.
— Manny! (@mannylaks) January 21, 2020
We need to appreciate Bukayo Saka More.. That dude is brilliant. He played that position like it was his primary position. Very resourceful and young boy. If I was Arteta. I will grow him in that position and leave him there.
— Adebowale A. Adebambo 🚨 (@Adebambo_A) January 22, 2020
Bukayo Saka reminds me a bit of Marcelo in style of play? He has a huge future no matter what position he ends up
— M-Gunna (@Gunner_MB28) January 22, 2020
18-years old. Often played out of position at left back to cover for his injured teammates. Improving every single week. 7 assists for the season now. Bukayo Saka appreciation tweet. pic.twitter.com/QoQxZygexP
— Patrick Timmons (@PatrickTimmons1) January 19, 2020