Saka Still Needs To Improve – Arteta Insists Wonder Kid Must Stay Grounded

Mikel Arteta is pleased with what the youngster offers the Gunners at the moment, but the rookie manager has no doubt that Bukayo Saka has a lot in his game to improve on.

Two goals from captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and an Eddie Nketiah strike helped the hosts edge Carlo Ancelotti’s side at the Emirates Stadium in a Premier League thriller on Sunday.

The victory sees Arsenal climb up to ninth in the English top flight.

The evening, though, started badly for the home side who fell behind courtesy of a Dominic Calvert-Lewin acrobatic goal inside the first minute.

Saka then made an early entry into the game from the bench following an injury to Sead Kolasinac.

The 18-year-old, shortly after, claimed his fourth assist in his last five games and his tenth in all competitions as he delivered the perfect cross for Nketiah’s equaliser.

Arsenal fans, and even a Manchester United legend, have cheered Saka’s assist, but Arteta is more concerned about helping the England youth international cut out the mistakes in his game.

“Bukayo had some issues as well before the game, but then he started to play after a few minutes,” Arteta said during the post-match press conference, as quoted by Arsenal.com.

“It was a great contribution offensively, but as well there are other moments when he showed today that there is still a lot of margin for him for improvement, and he needs to keep his feet on the ground, and we have to help him to do that.”

Saka’s latest contribution sees him become the first teenager since Cesc Fabregas 13 years ago to reach double figures for assists in a single season with Arsenal.